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The End of the World and Some Other Things #0.1
The Man with the Devil's Tongue
April Frausini can see ghosts. When she was younger, her parents had treated her like a child with a broken brain. They took April to doctors. The doctors sent her to specialists. The specialists put her on drugs. And when the drugs failed to stop the visions, the specialists zapped her brain.
After that, April told them that the ghosts had gone.
She lied.
Now she’s in college and trying to forge a future for herself, but a chance encounter with a dark spirit in a bar puts a bit of a hold on things.
A man named Jameson Talbot reaches out to her, explaining that there are worse things than ghosts to be afraid of. The spirit she saw the other night was no mere ghost, but the Devil himself in spectral form. If she chooses, Talbot promises to teach her to control her gift of sight, so that they may help others who have been tormented by these spirits, and potentially put a stop to whatever the Devil has planned.
April must choose. Go back to a life where nobody understands her or her visions? Or follow Talbot, find a purpose, and walk down a dangerous path in search of the Devil himself?
After that, April told them that the ghosts had gone.
She lied.
Now she’s in college and trying to forge a future for herself, but a chance encounter with a dark spirit in a bar puts a bit of a hold on things.
A man named Jameson Talbot reaches out to her, explaining that there are worse things than ghosts to be afraid of. The spirit she saw the other night was no mere ghost, but the Devil himself in spectral form. If she chooses, Talbot promises to teach her to control her gift of sight, so that they may help others who have been tormented by these spirits, and potentially put a stop to whatever the Devil has planned.
April must choose. Go back to a life where nobody understands her or her visions? Or follow Talbot, find a purpose, and walk down a dangerous path in search of the Devil himself?
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2014
17 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 11, 2014
April has had the ability to see ghosts ever since she can remember. At twenty years of age, this special perception is growing stronger and now she is seeing demons and even Old Scratch himself. They walk amongst us, don't you know? April is recruited by a representative from the Order of Gatekeepers, sort of a world within a world, made up of members who have special talents like April. With her 'eye for dead things', she turns into an apt pupil.
The devilish humor of Satan is rife in this novella. He thoughtfully muses that there are rather a lot of bad eggs in hell. Cautioning a priest who is wielding a crucifix, 'You'll put someone's eye out with that!' And my own personal favorite, 'It's getting hot in here.' That is not to say this is a light-hearted read. It was a little different ('I am not who I am.'), and quite enjoyable.
The devilish humor of Satan is rife in this novella. He thoughtfully muses that there are rather a lot of bad eggs in hell. Cautioning a priest who is wielding a crucifix, 'You'll put someone's eye out with that!' And my own personal favorite, 'It's getting hot in here.' That is not to say this is a light-hearted read. It was a little different ('I am not who I am.'), and quite enjoyable.
August 8, 2014
I've been in a reading slump recently. This isn't a complaint, but with my writing duties on maximum overdrive - Stephen King quote, nice - it seems I rarely have time to read at the moment. Sure, I always make time to do so (usually before my standard five hours of slumber) but sometimes, in a mood like this, I just want something different. I read Brain Mold by Kyle Warner a few months back and his style of writing, subtle but funny, dark but brooding, hooked me instantly. When this book hit Amazon, it was a one click deal. And I wasn't disappointed.
TMWTDT, for short, is one of those novellas that breaks the standard barrier. Put your mind in neutral, any belief of reality will firmly need suspending here. Satan has some business on Earth, so he inhabits a man called Ronald Lime. He then takes Lime on a brisk tour of the US, killing and pillaging, leaving death in his wake. His quest? It's not entirely sure at first, and revealing so would ruin the plot, but it's not about the journey, it's about the antics on the way there. When you realise he's being pursued by Gatekeepers - a Satan SWAT team if you will - this book borders on bizarre. The plot of demons residing amongst us, however unbelievable, is fun and enjoyable, and the mean streak of humour running throughout is sublime.
Sounds weird? It is. But in a thoroughly entertaining way. When confronted by a picture of Jesus, and egged on by a little girl he's just captured ("he'll beat you up"), Satan's response is hilarious. In fact, Ronald Lime as a whole, the possessed version, is one of the funniest, yet most disturbing, characters I've read in some time. I think the fact it's Satan in disguise helps, you kind of remember who he is after a while and that, in the blink of an eye, he can off a character in one foul swipe. People die, he laughs. Blood is shed, he chortles. Some may not like this, but the black humour kept me reading until the end. Warner has created a truly unique character and, if the book is to go by, he has a series of books coming his way. Rejoice!
It's the awesomeness of Satan/Lime that pushes the heros to the background. True, they are there, going about their business in the typical hero way, but you realise that they're are no match for Satan - literally in one scene when he's running away from his pursuer in a mocking, humourous way; looking back and laughing - and their plight is kind of futile. When we reach the third act, you want Satan to win out, get his quest completed and carry on doing it elsewhere. It's then that Warner ups the ante of his heroine (who has a particularly interesting ability), who evolves into someone that Satan begins to respect and fear. If there is a sequel, this is some dynamite plotting to bring it to us. Never has an ending been so ambigious but rewarding.
5* - Mr. Warner, please bring on more. A paced, intelligent thriller with jet black humour, great characters, mesmirising mythology (several demons have a striking cameo, a nice touch) and a simple plot that shows Warner can do subtle horror but also decent action. Reading as a cross between an action movie, a horror movie, and a fantasy movie; this book will keep you turning the pages. The ending is quick but not rushed, and the characters have plenty more in them. Never has a book about demons living amongst us been so...real. Or phenomenal. Great reading!
TMWTDT, for short, is one of those novellas that breaks the standard barrier. Put your mind in neutral, any belief of reality will firmly need suspending here. Satan has some business on Earth, so he inhabits a man called Ronald Lime. He then takes Lime on a brisk tour of the US, killing and pillaging, leaving death in his wake. His quest? It's not entirely sure at first, and revealing so would ruin the plot, but it's not about the journey, it's about the antics on the way there. When you realise he's being pursued by Gatekeepers - a Satan SWAT team if you will - this book borders on bizarre. The plot of demons residing amongst us, however unbelievable, is fun and enjoyable, and the mean streak of humour running throughout is sublime.
Sounds weird? It is. But in a thoroughly entertaining way. When confronted by a picture of Jesus, and egged on by a little girl he's just captured ("he'll beat you up"), Satan's response is hilarious. In fact, Ronald Lime as a whole, the possessed version, is one of the funniest, yet most disturbing, characters I've read in some time. I think the fact it's Satan in disguise helps, you kind of remember who he is after a while and that, in the blink of an eye, he can off a character in one foul swipe. People die, he laughs. Blood is shed, he chortles. Some may not like this, but the black humour kept me reading until the end. Warner has created a truly unique character and, if the book is to go by, he has a series of books coming his way. Rejoice!
It's the awesomeness of Satan/Lime that pushes the heros to the background. True, they are there, going about their business in the typical hero way, but you realise that they're are no match for Satan - literally in one scene when he's running away from his pursuer in a mocking, humourous way; looking back and laughing - and their plight is kind of futile. When we reach the third act, you want Satan to win out, get his quest completed and carry on doing it elsewhere. It's then that Warner ups the ante of his heroine (who has a particularly interesting ability), who evolves into someone that Satan begins to respect and fear. If there is a sequel, this is some dynamite plotting to bring it to us. Never has an ending been so ambigious but rewarding.
5* - Mr. Warner, please bring on more. A paced, intelligent thriller with jet black humour, great characters, mesmirising mythology (several demons have a striking cameo, a nice touch) and a simple plot that shows Warner can do subtle horror but also decent action. Reading as a cross between an action movie, a horror movie, and a fantasy movie; this book will keep you turning the pages. The ending is quick but not rushed, and the characters have plenty more in them. Never has a book about demons living amongst us been so...real. Or phenomenal. Great reading!
September 22, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this story, don't judge a book by it's cover and all that! I found the story a quick and enjoyable read. The story contained all the elements you would expect in a full length novel, violence murder and possession just a few important aspects of this story that held me captivated.
The story begins and we meet April. April has the ability to see ghost, only ghosts she thought, until she actually sees Satan. The angles discovering she has this ability, they send in Talbot to acquire her or her abilities and introduce her to the Gatekeepers, after meeting her first demon, April is immediately thrown in deep end, and travels with Talbot on his away mission. Satan meanwhile has taken possession of a human male aquatinted with April, and sets out to deliver vengeance to the Gatekeepers.....
No spoilers but recommend if you enjoy a story with violence, death, possession and general devilish behaviour then don't hesitate to give this book a read.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this story, don't judge a book by it's cover and all that! I found the story a quick and enjoyable read. The story contained all the elements you would expect in a full length novel, violence murder and possession just a few important aspects of this story that held me captivated.
The story begins and we meet April. April has the ability to see ghost, only ghosts she thought, until she actually sees Satan. The angles discovering she has this ability, they send in Talbot to acquire her or her abilities and introduce her to the Gatekeepers, after meeting her first demon, April is immediately thrown in deep end, and travels with Talbot on his away mission. Satan meanwhile has taken possession of a human male aquatinted with April, and sets out to deliver vengeance to the Gatekeepers.....
No spoilers but recommend if you enjoy a story with violence, death, possession and general devilish behaviour then don't hesitate to give this book a read.
May 1, 2018
Wow I like it.
September 13, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
-
This story follows directly after the events of Blood Child, which I've reviewed previously.
After the first run in with Death (Decarr) that left Talbot with one less friend in the world, his new assignment from the organization brought him face to face with April. A girl who could not only see ghosts, but demons as well. Unlike 99% of everyone in the first book, April grew up with and around normal human beings where she alone was an anomaly. The meeting with Talbot was her first real look at the creeping shadows hidden under the rug of good society.
Talbot was a member of the Order of the Gatekeepers. An organization mentioned in passing before, but fully explored here. April, in a gamble to finally get some answers about herself, leaves everything behind to follow Talbot. All the while, Lime, while possessed by the devil himself, falls deeper into the pits of insanity. He makes insane acts of violence look completely ordinary. Juxtaposed against Lime, it was as though everyone else was crazy instead.
I found the pacing of this book to be better than the first. It was more direct and to the point (and shorter). But I also liked that it was more focused. It told April (and Lime's) stories without trying to make mention of everything else going on in their world. The benefit of this being that the characters were more fleshed out. And I liked learning more about the world through April's eyes, that her mentor was a demon under lock and key, was a nice bonus.
Oh well, come the next book, (as much as I liked Death) I'll definitely be rooting for April.
-
This story follows directly after the events of Blood Child, which I've reviewed previously.
After the first run in with Death (Decarr) that left Talbot with one less friend in the world, his new assignment from the organization brought him face to face with April. A girl who could not only see ghosts, but demons as well. Unlike 99% of everyone in the first book, April grew up with and around normal human beings where she alone was an anomaly. The meeting with Talbot was her first real look at the creeping shadows hidden under the rug of good society.
Talbot was a member of the Order of the Gatekeepers. An organization mentioned in passing before, but fully explored here. April, in a gamble to finally get some answers about herself, leaves everything behind to follow Talbot. All the while, Lime, while possessed by the devil himself, falls deeper into the pits of insanity. He makes insane acts of violence look completely ordinary. Juxtaposed against Lime, it was as though everyone else was crazy instead.
I found the pacing of this book to be better than the first. It was more direct and to the point (and shorter). But I also liked that it was more focused. It told April (and Lime's) stories without trying to make mention of everything else going on in their world. The benefit of this being that the characters were more fleshed out. And I liked learning more about the world through April's eyes, that her mentor was a demon under lock and key, was a nice bonus.
Oh well, come the next book, (as much as I liked Death) I'll definitely be rooting for April.
October 13, 2014
Some wise quotes from my favorite character, a demon named Haagenti.
"Haagenti also told April about the meaning of life, which he said was to find a meaning to your life. 'Simple enough,' he added with a shrug.
He said that God had lost His voice somewhere along the way and the Devil was doing his best to fill in the gaps of the silence.
Haagenti said that videogames, movies, and pop culture in general were not the cause for kids killing each other, but rather that it was natural for kids to be cruel. 'Humans are born evil,' he said, 'it's only after years of training then with a big enough stick do they learn to be good.'
Then Haagenti claimed that he knew the demon that had killed the dinosaurs. "Great guy, but he gets a little carried away sometimes."
Love that demon. Hmm...never typed those words before...
Well, on to the review. If you want action, blood, gore, demons, and Satan, this is the short story to read. It's all packed in there. A short read that leaves you wanting more. For me, I was left wanting more of the demon Haagenti. That was one smart, funny demon.
"Haagenti also told April about the meaning of life, which he said was to find a meaning to your life. 'Simple enough,' he added with a shrug.
He said that God had lost His voice somewhere along the way and the Devil was doing his best to fill in the gaps of the silence.
Haagenti said that videogames, movies, and pop culture in general were not the cause for kids killing each other, but rather that it was natural for kids to be cruel. 'Humans are born evil,' he said, 'it's only after years of training then with a big enough stick do they learn to be good.'
Then Haagenti claimed that he knew the demon that had killed the dinosaurs. "Great guy, but he gets a little carried away sometimes."
Love that demon. Hmm...never typed those words before...
Well, on to the review. If you want action, blood, gore, demons, and Satan, this is the short story to read. It's all packed in there. A short read that leaves you wanting more. For me, I was left wanting more of the demon Haagenti. That was one smart, funny demon.
July 8, 2015
Brilliant! My initial reaction to the writing style was that it was too simplistic. However, very quickly I realized that the author had already sucked me in and I couldn't help but want to read more. The short paragraphs made the story easy to digest and that lent itself nicely to the action-packed chapters. I found myself taken in with the main characters (heroes and villain, alike) and I loved the tone and theme of this book immensely.
I don't know what other accolades I could bestow on this without giving away plot points except to say that I absolutely loved this story from beginning to end and can't wait to read another of the author's books! Truly amazing, Kyle!!
I don't know what other accolades I could bestow on this without giving away plot points except to say that I absolutely loved this story from beginning to end and can't wait to read another of the author's books! Truly amazing, Kyle!!
February 15, 2021
There are many theories and prophecies about the end of the world; a story that explores a possible end and the supernatural beings involved is The Man With the Devil’s Tongue by Kyle Warner.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
April Frausini has been able to see ghosts for quite some time and it’s wreaked havoc on her life, fracturing her family and leading them to believe there was something wrong with her brain. But she’s simply gifted with an ability she didn’t want and, therefore, hides it to the best of her ability. Now in college, she’s leading a fairly normal life but her boyfriend died and she still sees his ghost, struggling to help him move on. After a strange encounter at a bar, where April sees a dark spirit, her life takes a new turn when Jameson Talbot explains that there’s more supernatural beings than ghosts that she should be concerned with – including the Devil, which is who she happened to have seen at the bar – and offers to train her to combat these threats. Once April makes her choice, she’s rapidly thrown into situations she’s not prepared for, leading to some disastrously deadly outcomes to grapple with.
A quick and generally entertaining read, this story provides a quick outline of the action-packed supernatural world that writhes generally unnoticed beneath the surface of the more traditional or familiar world that readers may recognize. The global reach of the organization that fights against demons helps to emphasize the expansive reach this problem poses and allows for an easy way to have some character diversity, even if those included were presented rather stereotypically in this quickly sketched story; with the abundance of action presented out of the gate, there was some character development and backstory presentation that I would have liked to have explored, but given that this appears to be a prequel to a larger tale, those will likely be addressed later on in the narrative. The dialogue of the Devil was enjoyably humorous with the witty references and turns of phrase used, which may seem at odds with such a serious-seeming character but is fairly common in depictions of the Devil within contemporary media.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
April Frausini has been able to see ghosts for quite some time and it’s wreaked havoc on her life, fracturing her family and leading them to believe there was something wrong with her brain. But she’s simply gifted with an ability she didn’t want and, therefore, hides it to the best of her ability. Now in college, she’s leading a fairly normal life but her boyfriend died and she still sees his ghost, struggling to help him move on. After a strange encounter at a bar, where April sees a dark spirit, her life takes a new turn when Jameson Talbot explains that there’s more supernatural beings than ghosts that she should be concerned with – including the Devil, which is who she happened to have seen at the bar – and offers to train her to combat these threats. Once April makes her choice, she’s rapidly thrown into situations she’s not prepared for, leading to some disastrously deadly outcomes to grapple with.
A quick and generally entertaining read, this story provides a quick outline of the action-packed supernatural world that writhes generally unnoticed beneath the surface of the more traditional or familiar world that readers may recognize. The global reach of the organization that fights against demons helps to emphasize the expansive reach this problem poses and allows for an easy way to have some character diversity, even if those included were presented rather stereotypically in this quickly sketched story; with the abundance of action presented out of the gate, there was some character development and backstory presentation that I would have liked to have explored, but given that this appears to be a prequel to a larger tale, those will likely be addressed later on in the narrative. The dialogue of the Devil was enjoyably humorous with the witty references and turns of phrase used, which may seem at odds with such a serious-seeming character but is fairly common in depictions of the Devil within contemporary media.
January 26, 2024
Really good book, it sort of feels like it started in the middle of the story and you’re catching up for the first few chapters. Once you’re familiar with all of the characters it seems like it ends. I enjoyed the writing style, simple but effective description that didn’t feel over the top. All in all I’d recommend it to anyone into horror novels.
December 5, 2025
Meh
I understand it's a short story but there was so many holes and no real ending. I feel like it could have been so much more in every way. The concept was there the execution needs work
I understand it's a short story but there was so many holes and no real ending. I feel like it could have been so much more in every way. The concept was there the execution needs work
December 27, 2019
What to write?
Stuck through it but it was difficult to make any sense of it.
Thankfully it was a free book, otherwise I'd have felt bad about wasting my time and money.
Stuck through it but it was difficult to make any sense of it.
Thankfully it was a free book, otherwise I'd have felt bad about wasting my time and money.
May 16, 2022
This was a fun little read. I just needed a quick read and this book did it for me. Sometimes they just need to be dark and fast.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews