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The Infernal Age #1
Demon Gate
The end of technology and maybe of humanity itself. Demons (and magic) unleashed upon the Earth.
The Mist meets a gritty prequel to The Elfstones of Shannara, The Infernal Age is a nail-biting take on the death of the modern world and the birth of something darker.
Gabriel, an ex-soldier-turned-project-manager with anger issues, is sent to a small town in New Mexico and charged with keeping a failed government experiment secret and stable. There he meets Tam, an oddly philosophical scientist, but as they settle into a bantering friendship, things go catastrophically wrong.
As the containment fails, the truth is revealed - the experiment has punched a hole through to another reality allowing demon-like aliens to pass through, bringing their realm’s laws of physics with them. The creatures rampage as all technology fails and many people begin to sicken and die. The duo meets the traumatized but resilient Ripley and together they embark on a quest to get vital data to the experiment’s authors. As they travel together, battle demons, give aid to some survivors and fight others, each of them realizes that they are manifesting unsettling powers which, while helping them, also threaten to estrange them from their humanity.
An apocalyptic blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, The Infernal Age - Demon Gate is book one of a debut series by author Anson Joaquín. Join Gabriel, Tam, and Ripley as they are confronted by the end of the world they knew and start their quest to set things right, or failing that, at least to stay alive… and stay human.
Cover art by Jeff Brown
The Mist meets a gritty prequel to The Elfstones of Shannara, The Infernal Age is a nail-biting take on the death of the modern world and the birth of something darker.
Gabriel, an ex-soldier-turned-project-manager with anger issues, is sent to a small town in New Mexico and charged with keeping a failed government experiment secret and stable. There he meets Tam, an oddly philosophical scientist, but as they settle into a bantering friendship, things go catastrophically wrong.
As the containment fails, the truth is revealed - the experiment has punched a hole through to another reality allowing demon-like aliens to pass through, bringing their realm’s laws of physics with them. The creatures rampage as all technology fails and many people begin to sicken and die. The duo meets the traumatized but resilient Ripley and together they embark on a quest to get vital data to the experiment’s authors. As they travel together, battle demons, give aid to some survivors and fight others, each of them realizes that they are manifesting unsettling powers which, while helping them, also threaten to estrange them from their humanity.
An apocalyptic blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, The Infernal Age - Demon Gate is book one of a debut series by author Anson Joaquín. Join Gabriel, Tam, and Ripley as they are confronted by the end of the world they knew and start their quest to set things right, or failing that, at least to stay alive… and stay human.
Cover art by Jeff Brown
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2025
47 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 27, 2025
Great book, very well executed and a thrilling ride!
May 29, 2025
TL;DR: Come for the demons and dystopia, stay for the characters and delicious vocabulary
What happens when science catastrophically punches a hole through reality and the universe punches back? In The Infernal Age – Demon Gate, Anson Joaquín offers a chillingly believable answer: everything breaks.
The end of the world doesn’t begin with fire or flood - it begins in Betelgeuse, New Mexico, where a high-energy particle experiment tears open the fabric of reality. Enter Gabriel Rodriguez, an ex-soldier, now project-manager sent to keep the site and its secrets contained. Joining him is Dr. Tam Sinclair, a delightfully philosophical and quietly brilliant scientist who warned of the risks no one wanted to hear. When things inevitably go horribly wrong, the two are thrust into a world transformed by horror, cut off from technology, and hunted by creatures that shouldn’t exist.
This book is a slow burn, and I mean that as a sincere compliment. Joaquín doesn’t rush the devastation, he crafts it, layer by layer, letting us get to know Gabriel and Tam, grounding the narrative in their camaraderie, quirks, and unfolding trust. And when the action finally erupts? It erupts. The pacing shifts gears without warning, and suddenly, you’re flying through blue infernos and nightmare creatures, clinging to every word.
Tam’s unspoken neurodivergence is handled with care and nuance. He’s not labeled, but those of us who see it, see it. His focus, his cadence, his perspective, it’s all there. And Gabriel doesn’t just accept these quirks - he appreciates them. Their dynamic is one of mutual respect, quiet humor, and a connection that feels rare in apocalyptic fiction. It’s not romantic, but it’s intimate, and it left a mark.
Sarah, aka Riley - a woman traumatized, but not broken, who becomes the third in this unlikely alliance. The story balances gruesome action (and yes, some truly horrific monsters whose presence practically drips with Lovecraftian dread) with moments of introspection and connection. The trio begins to change, physically and psychologically, as otherworldly forces awaken powers within them - powers that may help them survive but that they don’t understand.
The Infernal Age is a gripping blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror with a touch of cosmic dread. It examines the death of the technological world and the birth of something darker, something older. On a mission to seek answers, the characters are forced to reckon with morality when the old rules no longer apply.
If you’re into high-concept apocalypse with strong character work, rich vocabulary, and a touch of existential dread, The Infernal Age – Demon Gate is your next read. Just don’t expect to put it down once the demons show up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What happens when science catastrophically punches a hole through reality and the universe punches back? In The Infernal Age – Demon Gate, Anson Joaquín offers a chillingly believable answer: everything breaks.
The end of the world doesn’t begin with fire or flood - it begins in Betelgeuse, New Mexico, where a high-energy particle experiment tears open the fabric of reality. Enter Gabriel Rodriguez, an ex-soldier, now project-manager sent to keep the site and its secrets contained. Joining him is Dr. Tam Sinclair, a delightfully philosophical and quietly brilliant scientist who warned of the risks no one wanted to hear. When things inevitably go horribly wrong, the two are thrust into a world transformed by horror, cut off from technology, and hunted by creatures that shouldn’t exist.
This book is a slow burn, and I mean that as a sincere compliment. Joaquín doesn’t rush the devastation, he crafts it, layer by layer, letting us get to know Gabriel and Tam, grounding the narrative in their camaraderie, quirks, and unfolding trust. And when the action finally erupts? It erupts. The pacing shifts gears without warning, and suddenly, you’re flying through blue infernos and nightmare creatures, clinging to every word.
Tam’s unspoken neurodivergence is handled with care and nuance. He’s not labeled, but those of us who see it, see it. His focus, his cadence, his perspective, it’s all there. And Gabriel doesn’t just accept these quirks - he appreciates them. Their dynamic is one of mutual respect, quiet humor, and a connection that feels rare in apocalyptic fiction. It’s not romantic, but it’s intimate, and it left a mark.
Sarah, aka Riley - a woman traumatized, but not broken, who becomes the third in this unlikely alliance. The story balances gruesome action (and yes, some truly horrific monsters whose presence practically drips with Lovecraftian dread) with moments of introspection and connection. The trio begins to change, physically and psychologically, as otherworldly forces awaken powers within them - powers that may help them survive but that they don’t understand.
The Infernal Age is a gripping blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror with a touch of cosmic dread. It examines the death of the technological world and the birth of something darker, something older. On a mission to seek answers, the characters are forced to reckon with morality when the old rules no longer apply.
If you’re into high-concept apocalypse with strong character work, rich vocabulary, and a touch of existential dread, The Infernal Age – Demon Gate is your next read. Just don’t expect to put it down once the demons show up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2025
Demons, Duty, and a Vengeance Lord Apocalypse Axe
One can easily recall a day gone horrifically wrong, but none like what stoic Captain Gabriel Rodriguez and Ombudsman Dr. Tamarind ‘Tam’ Sinclair have when they engage in a failed top secret government science experiment that unleashes murderous monsters and abominations, some domestic, others from another dimension. Ridden with guilt and moral responsibility to save the world from this demon gate, which has not only brought hellish creatures to earth, but also a massive plague and vaguely altered physical state of existence, including blue fire, complete defunct of electronics, and some extraordinary magical abilities, Gabriel and Tam embark on a mission to Los Angeles, battling, rescuing, discovering, and surviving what is left of humanity and it’s new predators.
Anson Joaquin, an author from Roanoke, Virginia, who loves science fiction and fantasy works from such authors as Frank Herbert (Dune), J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings), and Terry Pratchett (Discworld), brings his first novel, an apocalyptic adventure filled with suspense, witty banter among new friends, and characters you care about. Anson’s use of third-person chapters alternating between characters, including the demon Hakk’rix, provides great perspective and story telling of what is happening to them in the new world condition and the emotions and personality of the figures.
I enjoyed the reading. It was fresh, fun, and full of suspense and conflict. A grim moment that resonated with me as a parent came from the perspective of the demon Hakk’rix hunting down a small family, where Anson described the emotions related to fear and loss of a child through the demon's unique abilities during its encounter with its prey.
In many parts I appreciated how the characters remained true to their moral convictions, especially in their efforts to rescue those in danger including a beautiful woman they nicknamed Ripley, in homage to the movie Alien. She joins them as a third member of their team on the journey to Los Angeles after she is rescued by Gabriel and his Vengeance Lord Apocalypse Axe from a nightmarish buzzing lizard-like spiked demon. Together, the group maintains a strong ethical compass, continually holding one another accountable to preserve their humanity, even when survival demands difficult choices.
Benevolent heroes discover their recently acquired magical powers on a mission to save what’s left of a world they wronged from demons and sinister people. It’s a great read!
One can easily recall a day gone horrifically wrong, but none like what stoic Captain Gabriel Rodriguez and Ombudsman Dr. Tamarind ‘Tam’ Sinclair have when they engage in a failed top secret government science experiment that unleashes murderous monsters and abominations, some domestic, others from another dimension. Ridden with guilt and moral responsibility to save the world from this demon gate, which has not only brought hellish creatures to earth, but also a massive plague and vaguely altered physical state of existence, including blue fire, complete defunct of electronics, and some extraordinary magical abilities, Gabriel and Tam embark on a mission to Los Angeles, battling, rescuing, discovering, and surviving what is left of humanity and it’s new predators.
Anson Joaquin, an author from Roanoke, Virginia, who loves science fiction and fantasy works from such authors as Frank Herbert (Dune), J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings), and Terry Pratchett (Discworld), brings his first novel, an apocalyptic adventure filled with suspense, witty banter among new friends, and characters you care about. Anson’s use of third-person chapters alternating between characters, including the demon Hakk’rix, provides great perspective and story telling of what is happening to them in the new world condition and the emotions and personality of the figures.
I enjoyed the reading. It was fresh, fun, and full of suspense and conflict. A grim moment that resonated with me as a parent came from the perspective of the demon Hakk’rix hunting down a small family, where Anson described the emotions related to fear and loss of a child through the demon's unique abilities during its encounter with its prey.
In many parts I appreciated how the characters remained true to their moral convictions, especially in their efforts to rescue those in danger including a beautiful woman they nicknamed Ripley, in homage to the movie Alien. She joins them as a third member of their team on the journey to Los Angeles after she is rescued by Gabriel and his Vengeance Lord Apocalypse Axe from a nightmarish buzzing lizard-like spiked demon. Together, the group maintains a strong ethical compass, continually holding one another accountable to preserve their humanity, even when survival demands difficult choices.
Benevolent heroes discover their recently acquired magical powers on a mission to save what’s left of a world they wronged from demons and sinister people. It’s a great read!
May 25, 2025
4.5 stars
I don’t typically read fantasy, sci-fi, or horror, but after meeting the author at a book signing, I picked up The Demon Gate—first for my son, then for myself on Kindle Unlimited—and ended up really enjoying it. The story blends dark fantasy and horror with an almost “doomerish” sci-fi edge, creating a world that’s both intense and immersive. Even as someone outside the genre, I was surprised by how quickly I got pulled in.
The writing is strong, the pacing is tight, and the atmosphere sticks with you.
In short: this was a great read, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next installment. It’s always a treat to discover a new (to me) author’s talent—especially when they take you on a journey you didn’t expect to enjoy.
I don’t typically read fantasy, sci-fi, or horror, but after meeting the author at a book signing, I picked up The Demon Gate—first for my son, then for myself on Kindle Unlimited—and ended up really enjoying it. The story blends dark fantasy and horror with an almost “doomerish” sci-fi edge, creating a world that’s both intense and immersive. Even as someone outside the genre, I was surprised by how quickly I got pulled in.
The writing is strong, the pacing is tight, and the atmosphere sticks with you.
In short: this was a great read, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next installment. It’s always a treat to discover a new (to me) author’s talent—especially when they take you on a journey you didn’t expect to enjoy.
April 20, 2025
Post-apocalypse with magic and monsters. An action-packed, fun read with great dialogue.
(In full disclosure, I received an advance review copy for free. Even so, I'm leaving this review voluntarily and don't hesitate to recommend it.)
(In full disclosure, I received an advance review copy for free. Even so, I'm leaving this review voluntarily and don't hesitate to recommend it.)
April 22, 2025
The Infernal Age – Demon Gate" erupts onto the scene as Anson Joaquín’s electrifying debut, a relentless fusion of apocalyptic science fiction, dark fantasy, and horror. As the world crumbles into chaos, Gabriel, Tam, and Ripley are thrust into a desperate struggle—not just to survive the end of everything they’ve known, but to defy the darkness threatening to consume their very souls.
The science elements were occasionally a bit confusing, but the overall impact on the characters is still clear. I felt the character development could have gone deeper to help readers better connect with them. There are still several unanswered questions—particularly around the collapse of technology, the widespread death and illness that follow, and why only these three characters have developed powers. I'm hoping the second book will bring more clarity and deliver a sharper sense of suspense.
The science elements were occasionally a bit confusing, but the overall impact on the characters is still clear. I felt the character development could have gone deeper to help readers better connect with them. There are still several unanswered questions—particularly around the collapse of technology, the widespread death and illness that follow, and why only these three characters have developed powers. I'm hoping the second book will bring more clarity and deliver a sharper sense of suspense.
April 13, 2025
An apocalyptic journey with cool monsters. I'm looking forward to the next book!
May 6, 2025
Anson Joaquin’s The Infernal Age: Demon Gate is a genre-bending plunge into a post-apocalyptic nightmare where science tears open a gateway to hell—literally. Set in the aftermath of a particle experiment gone disastrously wrong in Betelgeuse, New Mexico, the novel conjures a terrifying vision of Earth overrun by demonic forces.
The story follows three central figures: Gabriel, a volatile ex-soldier haunted by his past; Tam, a reserved scientist wrestling with the consequences of his work; and Ripley, a gritty survivor clinging to hope in a world unraveling. Together, they form a fragile alliance in the face of unimaginable horrors, navigating a landscape where civilization has crumbled and reality itself is fraying.
Joaquin’s writing shines in its world-building—grim, atmospheric, and vividly cinematic. The character arcs are equally compelling. Tension and emotion run high throughout, with fast-paced action balanced by thoughtful reflections on survival, identity, and redemption.
Demon Gate is both a pulse-pounding thriller and a dark meditation on humanity’s place in the universe. Readers who enjoy dystopian tales laced with supernatural terror will find much to admire in Joaquin’s ambitious debut. It's a striking opening to what promises to be a bold and haunting series.
The story follows three central figures: Gabriel, a volatile ex-soldier haunted by his past; Tam, a reserved scientist wrestling with the consequences of his work; and Ripley, a gritty survivor clinging to hope in a world unraveling. Together, they form a fragile alliance in the face of unimaginable horrors, navigating a landscape where civilization has crumbled and reality itself is fraying.
Joaquin’s writing shines in its world-building—grim, atmospheric, and vividly cinematic. The character arcs are equally compelling. Tension and emotion run high throughout, with fast-paced action balanced by thoughtful reflections on survival, identity, and redemption.
Demon Gate is both a pulse-pounding thriller and a dark meditation on humanity’s place in the universe. Readers who enjoy dystopian tales laced with supernatural terror will find much to admire in Joaquin’s ambitious debut. It's a striking opening to what promises to be a bold and haunting series.
July 13, 2025
Post-apocalyptic sci-fi set on approximately present-day Earth, told in third-person multiple POV. This book starts off with a bang - pretty much literally - then slows down for a few chapters while background and characterisation are established. I felt like this went on for a bit too long, but once the action got going it really got going, so for me it was worth the wait. The three main characters start their westward trek to try and reach their headquarters and see what, if anything, can be done about what’s happened.
Like a lot of post-apocalyptic and road-trip sub-genre fantasy stories they encounter various characters and challenges along the way, but unlike those stories the trio discover that their proximity to Ground Zero has given them powers that they discover almost by accident and have to try and develop while also staying alive and well. In a way this is also a superhero origin story. It was very entertaining and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!
Like a lot of post-apocalyptic and road-trip sub-genre fantasy stories they encounter various characters and challenges along the way, but unlike those stories the trio discover that their proximity to Ground Zero has given them powers that they discover almost by accident and have to try and develop while also staying alive and well. In a way this is also a superhero origin story. It was very entertaining and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!
May 21, 2025
It's a good read!
This gripping novel pulls you in from the very beginning with a major event that goes terribly wrong, changing the world in an instant. The novel is a fast-moving adventure story that’s packed with exciting action while also giving you characters you can connect with.
The author does a fantastic job of creating memorable characters. You'll be especially interested in the relationship between a down-to-earth leader and a gifted but quirky specialist, which leads to some surprisingly funny moments.
The thrilling plot will keep you guessing as it unfolds.
This book offers a clever story, great characters, and a pace that keeps you hooked. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to keep reading late into the night.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a thought-provoking story that’s also a whole lot of fun to read.
This gripping novel pulls you in from the very beginning with a major event that goes terribly wrong, changing the world in an instant. The novel is a fast-moving adventure story that’s packed with exciting action while also giving you characters you can connect with.
The author does a fantastic job of creating memorable characters. You'll be especially interested in the relationship between a down-to-earth leader and a gifted but quirky specialist, which leads to some surprisingly funny moments.
The thrilling plot will keep you guessing as it unfolds.
This book offers a clever story, great characters, and a pace that keeps you hooked. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to keep reading late into the night.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a thought-provoking story that’s also a whole lot of fun to read.
May 7, 2025
Most people that pick up this book will really like it. It is more of a survival horror story set in a post-apocalyptic setting. Think Wormhole Mana, just with a far darker undertone.
First off. It is dark. If you are looking for a feel good story, this ain't it. However if you want a good survival story, then this will be a pretty good choice for a afternoon of escapism. One downside, and its probably more of a me issue, but there is a definite undercurrent of modern day politics in some of the banter. If you can ignore this, you will be fine. If not, you might want to look elsewhere.
For the most part, this book is well worth the read.
Recommended.
First off. It is dark. If you are looking for a feel good story, this ain't it. However if you want a good survival story, then this will be a pretty good choice for a afternoon of escapism. One downside, and its probably more of a me issue, but there is a definite undercurrent of modern day politics in some of the banter. If you can ignore this, you will be fine. If not, you might want to look elsewhere.
For the most part, this book is well worth the read.
Recommended.
April 29, 2025
This sci-fi/fantasy novel stands out not only for its creative world-building and creation of a central conflict, but also because of the rich, memorable characters and the human relationships forced to develop against a bleak, dystopian backdrop.
Throughout the harrowing adventure, Joaquin threads in fun pop-culture Easter Eggs and humorous exchanges. I’m looking toward to following the heroes’ journey in volume 2! (Note: I read an ARC version of this novel shortly before publication but was not compensated for my time or review!)
Throughout the harrowing adventure, Joaquin threads in fun pop-culture Easter Eggs and humorous exchanges. I’m looking toward to following the heroes’ journey in volume 2! (Note: I read an ARC version of this novel shortly before publication but was not compensated for my time or review!)
May 21, 2025
My only disappointment is that I have to wait for the next book in the series. Engaging characters, fast-moving action, thought provoking side bar conversations, fantastic inter-dimensional monsters, and a unique spin on a post-apocalyptic world where physics has been altered to create a blend between sci-fi and modern fantasy. Anson's writing style of slipping from first person to third person throughout the story gives the reader great insight into the characters and storyline, including (and especially) following the story through one of the interdimensional monsters. The reader realizes these are not just blood thirsty killers, but are potentially an alpha species and a true threat to our survival as a species.
May 22, 2025
I devoured this book. It had my attention immediately and kept me captivated until the very last word. I would have read hundreds more pages and will 100% be reading the next in the series.
This was a fun, adventurous, creepy and fast read with believable characters and perfect pacing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a fun, adventurous, creepy and fast read with believable characters and perfect pacing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2025
The story is very interesting and unique. It had a good pace and kept my interest.
The female character development needs some work. And the romantic relationship developing feels awkward. I had trouble visualizing the demons.
Overall I enjoyed it and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The female character development needs some work. And the romantic relationship developing feels awkward. I had trouble visualizing the demons.
Overall I enjoyed it and I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2025
Found this book checking out a local used bookstore and the author happened to be doing a signing. Snagged a copy and plowed through in a few days. It was a fun read with a unique premise.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews