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Devil on Sea
Just another cold day in Hell, or so Alan thought as he awoke on a windy beach in Brighton. Was it all just a dream? Were the screams of the damned, which even now are fading from his memory, just a figment of his imagination? But what are these scars, and why can he remember his death? All he does know is he misses his wife fiercely and it feels like years since he last saw her.
Lucifer is pissed. Not just because there’s been an escapee from Hell but because this pint of mild has gone straight to his head. Not having eaten in over a thousand years isn’t helping, and nor is this body’s inability to hold its liquor. Sid, the possessed body says its name is. Lucifer hates Earth, hates Britain more specifically. But there is an escaped soul on the loose and it’s his job to drag it back to the pit; his very pride is at stake! But where to start? With a slow grin, not just from the muscle relaxing effects of the alcohol, it dawns on him: With Mary. Alan’s wife.
Mary is sat staring out at the miserable rain lashing against the institute’s window. She’s lost track of how long she’s been here but she’s not lost the two voices that rage inside her mind. Nery and Sergeant she calls them and yet again they’re arguing about her past. She tries to rise from the strap-fitted bed but the voices scream too loudly. Memory and emotion engulf her and she’s lost once more to the past. If only Alan were here but he’s long dead. What hope is there for her now?
And so the race begins. Will Alan find Mary? Will Lucifer find Alan? Will Sid get the girl? Will God be able to combat His alcoholism? Find out in this fast paced dark comedy. A gripping tale full of twists and turns, love and loss, exercising and exorcising. Hold on tight, you’re in for one Hell of a ride!
Lucifer is pissed. Not just because there’s been an escapee from Hell but because this pint of mild has gone straight to his head. Not having eaten in over a thousand years isn’t helping, and nor is this body’s inability to hold its liquor. Sid, the possessed body says its name is. Lucifer hates Earth, hates Britain more specifically. But there is an escaped soul on the loose and it’s his job to drag it back to the pit; his very pride is at stake! But where to start? With a slow grin, not just from the muscle relaxing effects of the alcohol, it dawns on him: With Mary. Alan’s wife.
Mary is sat staring out at the miserable rain lashing against the institute’s window. She’s lost track of how long she’s been here but she’s not lost the two voices that rage inside her mind. Nery and Sergeant she calls them and yet again they’re arguing about her past. She tries to rise from the strap-fitted bed but the voices scream too loudly. Memory and emotion engulf her and she’s lost once more to the past. If only Alan were here but he’s long dead. What hope is there for her now?
And so the race begins. Will Alan find Mary? Will Lucifer find Alan? Will Sid get the girl? Will God be able to combat His alcoholism? Find out in this fast paced dark comedy. A gripping tale full of twists and turns, love and loss, exercising and exorcising. Hold on tight, you’re in for one Hell of a ride!
343 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Neal Mackie
2 books6 followersBorn in Blackpool but mostly raised in Preston, England. Neal spent most of his youth in Leyland before a brief nine months living in Gothenburg, Sweden, where he instantly fell in love with the country and the culture. Neal currently resides in Preston; working by day and being treated with contempt by dragons by night.
Neal's first love of the written word came from the spell binding writing of Douglas Adams and the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, which he had read a number of times before leaving Primary School; although most of the humour was lost on him. Stephen King soon become a huge influence on Neal's love of literature and to date is his most read author (number of unique books read). He has also dabbled with fantasy and sci-fi, with at least one biography*, although horror and comedy are his staple.
Neal had attempted writing throughout most of his teens but never moved beyond short stories, or angsty poetry (something he still writes today*). His first attempt at a real novel, Dream Weaver, never made it to completion and he became stuck in a rut; checking over what he had already written and never writing any more. This was a blessing in disguise as it ensured future writing was only ever a march forward, never looking back until completion.
Devil on Sea become Neal's first completed novel and it was by accident that it came into being at all. Running a "Word of the day" feature on his Facebook profile, Neal tried using uncommon words and phrases in humorous sentences. Before he knew it, a short story revolving around the devil sat in a British pub being miserable (what else is there to do in one?) was born, and Chapter 2 was thrust upon the unsuspecting public. Coupled with encouragement from two secret readers, Neal was able to finally complete his first novel in only a mere two years; delayed mostly by a full time job, studying for a degree, and general laziness. After a successful Kickstarter campaign to get the book an editorial critique, Neal completed a fifth draft and, through Lulu.com, got a first edition in the arms of nearly 100 individuals who had requested a copy. Devil on Sea is now available both in ebook format and paperback @ tiny.cc/devilonsea
Neal is also currently working on writing and starring in a comedy podcast.
*Although he'll deny it
Neal's first love of the written word came from the spell binding writing of Douglas Adams and the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, which he had read a number of times before leaving Primary School; although most of the humour was lost on him. Stephen King soon become a huge influence on Neal's love of literature and to date is his most read author (number of unique books read). He has also dabbled with fantasy and sci-fi, with at least one biography*, although horror and comedy are his staple.
Neal had attempted writing throughout most of his teens but never moved beyond short stories, or angsty poetry (something he still writes today*). His first attempt at a real novel, Dream Weaver, never made it to completion and he became stuck in a rut; checking over what he had already written and never writing any more. This was a blessing in disguise as it ensured future writing was only ever a march forward, never looking back until completion.
Devil on Sea become Neal's first completed novel and it was by accident that it came into being at all. Running a "Word of the day" feature on his Facebook profile, Neal tried using uncommon words and phrases in humorous sentences. Before he knew it, a short story revolving around the devil sat in a British pub being miserable (what else is there to do in one?) was born, and Chapter 2 was thrust upon the unsuspecting public. Coupled with encouragement from two secret readers, Neal was able to finally complete his first novel in only a mere two years; delayed mostly by a full time job, studying for a degree, and general laziness. After a successful Kickstarter campaign to get the book an editorial critique, Neal completed a fifth draft and, through Lulu.com, got a first edition in the arms of nearly 100 individuals who had requested a copy. Devil on Sea is now available both in ebook format and paperback @ tiny.cc/devilonsea
Neal is also currently working on writing and starring in a comedy podcast.
*Although he'll deny it
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 23, 2014
I laughed, I cried, I could not stop turning the pages!
Great character development, I still months later feel for one of the lead characters! I wish the story never ended! Such depth, and wild imagination made the stories intricate and fully engaging.
I look forward to Neal's next book, it was such a privilege to read.
Great character development, I still months later feel for one of the lead characters! I wish the story never ended! Such depth, and wild imagination made the stories intricate and fully engaging.
I look forward to Neal's next book, it was such a privilege to read.
July 25, 2014
By turns funny and sad, vulgar and sweet, Devil On Sea is a wonderfully dark supernatural comedy. If you like Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett and Robert Rankin, you'll find a lot to like in this author's work.
November 23, 2014
I found the premise of this novel very exciting, and was not disappointed when I finally got my copy of it. For a first attempt, the author shows real promise as a fiction/black comedy writer, and also reveals deep insight into the human psyche, with all its foibles and idiosyncrasies.
I really found myself identifying with the main female character, and with the author's paradoxically hopeful cynicism! His writing style is refreshing and unique, but could also be described as Gaiman-esque, with touches of Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams and PG Wodehouse thrown in for good measure.
I look forward to Neal Mackie's next novel, and recommend this one for anybody who enjoys dark British humour.
I really found myself identifying with the main female character, and with the author's paradoxically hopeful cynicism! His writing style is refreshing and unique, but could also be described as Gaiman-esque, with touches of Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams and PG Wodehouse thrown in for good measure.
I look forward to Neal Mackie's next novel, and recommend this one for anybody who enjoys dark British humour.
April 22, 2015
Brilliant book! Written in a way that makes you beg to pick it back up once you put it down. Excellent Story written by what I can tell is an talented author with an excellent writing style!
Thank you for captivating my mind.
Thank you for captivating my mind.
May 22, 2015
Funny, original and a great debut novel, Devil on Sea brings Neal Mackie onto the scene with a bang. Lovable characters and a galloping storyline are combined with an intimate narration that keeps you turning.
Looking forward to see what else this author has to offer.
Looking forward to see what else this author has to offer.
September 3, 2014
Fantastic, couldn't put it down. I also recommend it to anyone who loves Douglas Adams.
Awaiting a new book now from this author.
Awaiting a new book now from this author.
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April 10, 2015Where can I buy this ?..
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews