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Johannes Cabal #4.5
A Long Spoon
You may have heard of Johannes Cabal; he is a necromancer and a little infamous. He is also very sensitive to attempts on his life. When a murder of crows tries to... well, murder him, and the contents of his bath are transmuted into hot nitric acid, he suspects someone may mean him harm. The trail leads to one of the less travelled parts of Hell itself, and there Cabal will need a guide.
As Dante had his Virgil, so Cabal employs the services of a devil who is a monster, a predator, and -- most alien of all to Cabal -- a woman. The devil Zarenyia and he delve deep into Hell, even into Satan's greatest mistake, to confront challenges quite outside the ken of any mortal. But one should always use a long spoon when supping with a devil, and Cabal soon realises the unthinkable, a horror beyond his experience. He is actually beginning to like her.
As Dante had his Virgil, so Cabal employs the services of a devil who is a monster, a predator, and -- most alien of all to Cabal -- a woman. The devil Zarenyia and he delve deep into Hell, even into Satan's greatest mistake, to confront challenges quite outside the ken of any mortal. But one should always use a long spoon when supping with a devil, and Cabal soon realises the unthinkable, a horror beyond his experience. He is actually beginning to like her.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2014
29 people are currently reading
1079 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan L. Howard
65 books2,096 followersJonathan L Howard is a game designer, scriptwriter, and a veteran of the computer games industry since the early 1990s, with titles such as the 'Broken Sword' series to his credit.
After publishing two short stories featuring Johannes Cabal (Johannes Cabal and the Blustery Day and Exeunt Demon King) in H. P. Lovecraft's Magazine of Horror, Johannes Cabal the Necromancer was published in 2009 as his first novel.
Since then there have been three sequels, with a fourth due in 2016. He has also written two novels in the YA SF "Russalka Chronicles" series, and the ongoing "Goon Squad" serial of superhero stories. October 2015 will see the publication of "Carter & Lovecraft," the first in a new series of novels.
He lives with his wife and daughter near Bristol.
http://www.jonathanlhoward.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/JonathanLHoward
http://jonathanlhoward.livejournal.com/
After publishing two short stories featuring Johannes Cabal (Johannes Cabal and the Blustery Day and Exeunt Demon King) in H. P. Lovecraft's Magazine of Horror, Johannes Cabal the Necromancer was published in 2009 as his first novel.
Since then there have been three sequels, with a fourth due in 2016. He has also written two novels in the YA SF "Russalka Chronicles" series, and the ongoing "Goon Squad" serial of superhero stories. October 2015 will see the publication of "Carter & Lovecraft," the first in a new series of novels.
He lives with his wife and daughter near Bristol.
http://www.jonathanlhoward.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/JonathanLHoward
http://jonathanlhoward.livejournal.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
September 6, 2022
When the giant spider devil appeared in The Fall of the House of Cabal, it wasn't long before I was giggling. How can you not at a devil who uses the 'Girl Guide' oath to 'dub' clauses on her swearing the traditional binding oaths? When one of Howard's less sarcastic footnotes pointed me toward the novelette where she first made the acquaintance of Johannes, I had to stop and find the original, particularly after it referenced Cabal turning into a haddock.
A Long Spoon employs the classic set-up with Johannes Cabal as reserved straight-man and Zarenyia the playful and quite bored devil, leading to engaging dialogue and hijinks as they set on an adventure. Howard's word-play consistently amuses: "She was undoubtedly female, and probably very attractive in a shallow “really rather beautiful” sort of way." I chuckled out loud when Cabal tried to explain the metaphor "a long spoon when one sups with the devil" to her-- it was the sort of dialogue that puts one in mind of Abbott and Costello. I'm not sure how well this would play for people unfamiliar with the series, as part of the joy is knowing Cabal is not only the extreme stereotype of the logical scientist, but a bit of a misanthrope in his views on humanity.
'Against all common sense, I'm beginning to like you,' he said.
'Even though I'm a devil and I have a lot of legs and I devour the souls of my prey through the expedient of lethal orgasms?'
'I'm still waiting for you to raise a bad point.'
She slapped him lightly on the back. 'You charmer.'
It reads a bit like Howard was channeling Douglas Adams, as there's a bit that involves chaos and the Abyss (which sounds remarkably like the Infinity Drive). Delightful, and I'm glad it's on my kindle and available for re-read.
“Then again, against the backdrop of the Abyss, a hundredweight of cooked spaghetti thrown on a ballroom floor would look surprisingly ordered.”
You can purchase it--which I recommend, as encouragement and support for the author--but it is also available for free on Tor.com's site: http://www.tor.com/2014/12/18/a-long-...
Re-read September 2019, because sometimes you just need a comforting bedtime story.
A Long Spoon employs the classic set-up with Johannes Cabal as reserved straight-man and Zarenyia the playful and quite bored devil, leading to engaging dialogue and hijinks as they set on an adventure. Howard's word-play consistently amuses: "She was undoubtedly female, and probably very attractive in a shallow “really rather beautiful” sort of way." I chuckled out loud when Cabal tried to explain the metaphor "a long spoon when one sups with the devil" to her-- it was the sort of dialogue that puts one in mind of Abbott and Costello. I'm not sure how well this would play for people unfamiliar with the series, as part of the joy is knowing Cabal is not only the extreme stereotype of the logical scientist, but a bit of a misanthrope in his views on humanity.
'Against all common sense, I'm beginning to like you,' he said.
'Even though I'm a devil and I have a lot of legs and I devour the souls of my prey through the expedient of lethal orgasms?'
'I'm still waiting for you to raise a bad point.'
She slapped him lightly on the back. 'You charmer.'
It reads a bit like Howard was channeling Douglas Adams, as there's a bit that involves chaos and the Abyss (which sounds remarkably like the Infinity Drive). Delightful, and I'm glad it's on my kindle and available for re-read.
“Then again, against the backdrop of the Abyss, a hundredweight of cooked spaghetti thrown on a ballroom floor would look surprisingly ordered.”
You can purchase it--which I recommend, as encouragement and support for the author--but it is also available for free on Tor.com's site: http://www.tor.com/2014/12/18/a-long-...
Re-read September 2019, because sometimes you just need a comforting bedtime story.
November 25, 2015
A Long Spoon: in which Cabal makes acquaintance with a spider devil, examines a fish cake, and descends back into Hell for matters of academic curiosity.
Honestly, though, this was incredibly fun. Everybody's favourite necromancer is back, and this time Johannes Cabal sets out to confront a centuries-old Chinese sorcerer in Hell after several attempts made on his life, the more noteworthy of which include a particularly murderous murder of crows and a bath that is much too hot for its own good. He enlists the help of a guide, Zarenyia- a half-human, half-giant spider devil, and one who fucks her victims to death- and the two descend into the Abyss.
This short story (although it's more than 30 pages, so I suppose the "short" part is subjective) is positively delightful. It's bizarre and fun, and the sexual humour is done in a surprisingly classy, yet still funny, manner. The only reason I'm docking a star is because there's too much time spent getting to Luan Da's sanctum and not enough time spent actually doing anything of importance down there in Hell. Still, Zarenyia and Cabal make for a lovely duo, and their banter throughout is great.
I mean, come on, that's pretty adorable.
These Cabal short stories are great- they have fun plotlines, interesting concepts, and Johannes' character is still able to shine through. You can read A Long Spoon for free here.
P.S. Jonathan L. Howard gave Johannes a Twitter account, and it is just as wonderful as you would imagine. Check it out here.
Honestly, though, this was incredibly fun. Everybody's favourite necromancer is back, and this time Johannes Cabal sets out to confront a centuries-old Chinese sorcerer in Hell after several attempts made on his life, the more noteworthy of which include a particularly murderous murder of crows and a bath that is much too hot for its own good. He enlists the help of a guide, Zarenyia- a half-human, half-giant spider devil, and one who fucks her victims to death- and the two descend into the Abyss.
This short story (although it's more than 30 pages, so I suppose the "short" part is subjective) is positively delightful. It's bizarre and fun, and the sexual humour is done in a surprisingly classy, yet still funny, manner. The only reason I'm docking a star is because there's too much time spent getting to Luan Da's sanctum and not enough time spent actually doing anything of importance down there in Hell. Still, Zarenyia and Cabal make for a lovely duo, and their banter throughout is great.
"You think so? You’re such a sweet boy, Johannes. I’m glad I dibbed. We’re having fun together, and I haven’t killed you. It’s nice."
Cabal paused on a step and looked back at her. "Against all common sense, I’m beginning to like you," he said.
"Even though I’m a devil and I have a lot of legs and I devour the souls of my prey through the expedient of lethal orgasms?"
"I’m still waiting for you to raise a bad point."
She slapped him lightly on the back. "You charmer!"
They continued up the stairs, both doing poor jobs of concealing their smiles.
I mean, come on, that's pretty adorable.
These Cabal short stories are great- they have fun plotlines, interesting concepts, and Johannes' character is still able to shine through. You can read A Long Spoon for free here.
P.S. Jonathan L. Howard gave Johannes a Twitter account, and it is just as wonderful as you would imagine. Check it out here.
August 3, 2021
💀 Let's Bring the Dead Back from the Dead Again Buddy Reread (LBtDBftDABR™) with the MacHalo Necromaniacs 💀
➽ And the moral of this reread is: chaotic obsessions with fish + “dib, dib, dib” + nitric acid of distressingly high morality (don't ask) + “names mottled with glottal stops, apostrophes, and mall sprays of saliva” + succubine humor (it doesn't always travel, just so you know) + sneers of splenetic perfection + Pandæmonium ho! + multi-limbed and almost egregiously jolly somethings + HAHAHAHAHAHA + poik + Madam Zarenya aka the greatest succubine spider devil in the history of greatest succubine spider devils =
➽ And the other moral of this reread is: looks like I won't be writing a full review this time either. Lucky you and stuff.
✉️ A very private, personal message to Jonathan L. Howard: Zarenyia better get her own series—AFTER YOU FINALLY WRITE THE THE CONCLUSION TO THIS SERIES—or else... But hey, no pressure and stuff.
👋 To be continued and stuff.
[June 2019]
My Wonderfully Heartless and Delightfully Stuck Up Boyfriend (WHaDSUBB™) Jojo Cabal and a Super Extra Ass Kicking Hilarious Spider-Woman Devil (SEAKHSWD™) walk into Pandæmonium...most gleeful chaos and hellish merriment ensue. And so I dance. (In quite the graceful way, if I may say so myself.)
➽ Semi-full review to come. If I ever find the time in between slaughtering puny tourists and stuff.
· Book 0.5: Johannes Cabal and the Blustery Day ★★★★★
· Book 0.75: Exeunt Demon King ★★★★
· Book 1: The Necromancer ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Detective ★★★★★
· Book 2.5: The Ereshkigal Working ★★★★★
· Book 3: The Fear Institute ★★★★★
· Book 3.1: The House of Gears ★★★★
· Book 3.2: The Death of Me ★★★
· Book 3.3: Ouroboros Ouzo ★★★★
· Book 4: The Brothers Cabal ★★★★
• Book 5: The Fall of the House of Cabal ★★★★★
“Johannes Cabal smiled, and it had all the warmth and fellowship of a cut throat.”That's my Jojo for you, forever radiating charm and oozing with cordiality! 😍😍
➽ And the moral of this reread is: chaotic obsessions with fish + “dib, dib, dib” + nitric acid of distressingly high morality (don't ask) + “names mottled with glottal stops, apostrophes, and mall sprays of saliva” + succubine humor (it doesn't always travel, just so you know) + sneers of splenetic perfection + Pandæmonium ho! + multi-limbed and almost egregiously jolly somethings + HAHAHAHAHAHA + poik + Madam Zarenya aka the greatest succubine spider devil in the history of greatest succubine spider devils =
➽ And the other moral of this reread is: looks like I won't be writing a full review this time either. Lucky you and stuff.
✉️ A very private, personal message to Jonathan L. Howard: Zarenyia better get her own series—AFTER YOU FINALLY WRITE THE THE CONCLUSION TO THIS SERIES—or else... But hey, no pressure and stuff.
👋 To be continued and stuff.
[June 2019]
My Wonderfully Heartless and Delightfully Stuck Up Boyfriend (WHaDSUBB™) Jojo Cabal and a Super Extra Ass Kicking Hilarious Spider-Woman Devil (SEAKHSWD™) walk into Pandæmonium...most gleeful chaos and hellish merriment ensue. And so I dance. (In quite the graceful way, if I may say so myself.)
➽ Semi-full review to come. If I ever find the time in between slaughtering puny tourists and stuff.
· Book 0.5: Johannes Cabal and the Blustery Day ★★★★★
· Book 0.75: Exeunt Demon King ★★★★
· Book 1: The Necromancer ★★★★★
· Book 2: The Detective ★★★★★
· Book 2.5: The Ereshkigal Working ★★★★★
· Book 3: The Fear Institute ★★★★★
· Book 3.1: The House of Gears ★★★★
· Book 3.2: The Death of Me ★★★
· Book 3.3: Ouroboros Ouzo ★★★★
· Book 4: The Brothers Cabal ★★★★
• Book 5: The Fall of the House of Cabal ★★★★★
December 15, 2015
And here I thought a Johannes Cabal story can't get any crazier. It's like the author accepted the challenge.
Someone is trying to kill Johannes Cabal and while that isn't unusual, the most likely suspect is. He realizes he has to go to the furthest parts of Hell, the Abyss that even Satan leaves alone, and find his answers there.
He even summons a guide. I love Zarenyia (the devil, not a demon, just to be clear). I hope this won't be the last time we see her.
Someone is trying to kill Johannes Cabal and while that isn't unusual, the most likely suspect is. He realizes he has to go to the furthest parts of Hell, the Abyss that even Satan leaves alone, and find his answers there.
He even summons a guide. I love Zarenyia (the devil, not a demon, just to be clear). I hope this won't be the last time we see her.
"Are you trying to bind me? You are, aren't you? You're trying to bind me!" The expression gave way to a flirtatious wink. "You naughty boy."
January 13, 2021
All the stars, and more! As much fun as one can have--clothing optional. And it's keeping me up far too late. But all in a good cause! And he is ever so quotable . . . .
“Why would you use a long spoon when supping with a devil?”
“It’s a metaphor. It simply means one should be cautious.”
“I know it’s a metaphor, darling. I’m not a complete nincompoop. I don’t understand it, though. Why are you feeding the devil?”
Oh, this is SO much better than that grossly over-rated Adams fellow, may he RIP. Getting right up into the Best of Martha Wells class, in my NSH Opinion. Most highly recommended.
Re-read 1/13/21. What a fine way to open 2021. Just as good as the first time. Maybe better!
https://www.tor.com/2014/12/18/a-long...
A sample:
Cabal paused on a step and looked back at her. “Against all common sense, I’m beginning to like you,” he said.
“Even though I’m a devil and I have a lot of legs and I devour the souls of my prey through the expedient of lethal orgasms?”
“I’m still waiting for you to raise a bad point.”
She slapped him lightly on the back. “You charmer!”
Well, you never know with humor. But I found this one delightful!
“Why would you use a long spoon when supping with a devil?”
“It’s a metaphor. It simply means one should be cautious.”
“I know it’s a metaphor, darling. I’m not a complete nincompoop. I don’t understand it, though. Why are you feeding the devil?”
Oh, this is SO much better than that grossly over-rated Adams fellow, may he RIP. Getting right up into the Best of Martha Wells class, in my NSH Opinion. Most highly recommended.
Re-read 1/13/21. What a fine way to open 2021. Just as good as the first time. Maybe better!
https://www.tor.com/2014/12/18/a-long...
A sample:
Cabal paused on a step and looked back at her. “Against all common sense, I’m beginning to like you,” he said.
“Even though I’m a devil and I have a lot of legs and I devour the souls of my prey through the expedient of lethal orgasms?”
“I’m still waiting for you to raise a bad point.”
She slapped him lightly on the back. “You charmer!”
Well, you never know with humor. But I found this one delightful!
April 23, 2017
This was delightful:) The plot itself was boring but the banter between the leads... marvelous. Hope we get to see Zarenyia again.
April 22, 2015
I loved this one. The perfect blend of humor, and darkness. The writing if beautiful, and suits the characters so well. I loved the banter between the characters. I hadn't read any of the book this story came from, but it gave me enough of a feeling for the characters that I didn't feel lost or confused. I knew when I found myself requesting the first book of the series before I was a quarter way done with this story that this was probably going to end up a five star read. The ending definitely lived up to the beginning.
RIP loofa
RIP loofa
July 12, 2018
I should have probably read this between 4th and 5th book like it was meant to since when Zerenyia was first introduced in 5th book it was obvious there was history between her and Cabal. Nevertheless I loved this short story and it was good to discover how our necromancer of some little infamy and my favorite side character in the series have met.
September 20, 2019
Perhaps the most fun you can have in the very depths of hell!
January 27, 2016
h is for Howard.
You will forgive me, but one should use a long spoon when one sups with a devil.
This little novelette was simply a delight to read. I love the way this author writes his characters. I was interested from the first sentence to the last.
I didn't know until after I read it that this is part of Howard's Necromancer series featuring the protagonist Johannes Cabal, who coincidentally is a necromancer. And also German.
I adored the character of Cabal. He is witty and dynamic and interesting and just a wee bit bumbling. The prose in this little short is intelligent and the humor is delivered quietly, but I still found myself laughing out loud in a lot of spots. The story opens with Cabal ruminating about an ancient Chinese sorcerer, long believed dead, who has started to tickle his curiosity, not to mention has most likely put a target on his back. When Cabal enters his bathroom one evening to find his drawn bathwater has suddenly turned to acid, he enlists a beguiling devil with the head and torso of a beautiful woman and the bottom half of a spider to aid him in tracking down the cad and avenging the death of his poor loofah sponge, an unfortunate casualty in the whole bathwater acid incident. Because the thought of his disintegrated loofah sponge really burns his German butt.
This little short follows Cabal and his lady friend (who calls herself Zarenyia) into hell, and more specifically into Lucifer's grandest mistake, also known as Pandamonium in order to find our ancient Chinese sorcerer. As the two journey together, they realize they kinda like each other. Just a little bit.
These two characters were amazing and given such life in only 30 pages. Their banter was hilarious and so well-written, and honestly was the best part of this story. It only gets 4 stars from me because it is a story heavily reliant on characters, banter, idealogy, and humor, and not so much plot. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The sexual humor is downright hysterical, and made more so because it is so honest and unembellished. Only an author with a lot of talent could turn a spider/woman devil into a character who literally fucks her victims to death and actually make it something not completely ridiculous.
I loved the character of Cabal, but it was Zarenyia who stole my heart. Her comments were so witty, full of saucy commentary and innuendo, and so completely fun that I wish I knew this little she-devil in real life.
Then she said, “Well, I suppose I’m evil, at any rate. I’m a devil, when all is said and done, so I just assumed that I’d be evil. I kill people, after all.”
“For sustenance.”
“Yes, but I don’t have to eat them at all if I don’t want to. I’m immortal, after all. But I become a poor enfeebled thing if I don’t snack on an obliging chap now and again.”
“Obliging?”
“Unsuspecting, which ends up being much the same thing.”
“And men only? That seems somewhat unfair.”
“Oh, I can prey on women. In theory.”
“In theory? How does the practise vary?”
“We end up chatting and after a while it seems impolite to kill them.”
Like I said, this story isn't big on plot or action, and in this 30 something page novelette, it works. I hope that Howard picks the action up in the Johannes Cabal novels (because I totally put them on my TBR after this little taste) because I will want something a little more substantial in a novel. But overall, I highly recommend this one to all my tor-loving friends out there. It's a keeper. Plus it has a cute spider lady with a killer vagina.
You can read it for free here:
http://www.tor.com/2014/12/18/a-long-...
September 30, 2019
Ohhhhh my. What a laugh that was. I don't think I have ever been as amused by a short story as that one.
Our friend Johannes calls forth a devil who is a spider and she is absolutely fantastic, she's also a trifle saucy being a succubine. But I won't give anything else away, other than to say, the dialogue between a saucy spider lady ( I can't help but see her as The Stalk in Saga) and dry as a bone Johannes is absolutely delightful.
Cabal paused on a step and looked back at her. "Against all commons sense, I'm beginning to like you", he said.
"Even though I'm a devil and I have a lot of legs and I devour the souls of my prey through the expedient of lethal orgasms?"
"I'm still waiting for you to raise a bad point."
She slapped him lightly on the back. "You charmer."
Great quick read and will bring a smile to your face.
Our friend Johannes calls forth a devil who is a spider and she is absolutely fantastic, she's also a trifle saucy being a succubine. But I won't give anything else away, other than to say, the dialogue between a saucy spider lady ( I can't help but see her as The Stalk in Saga) and dry as a bone Johannes is absolutely delightful.
Cabal paused on a step and looked back at her. "Against all commons sense, I'm beginning to like you", he said.
"Even though I'm a devil and I have a lot of legs and I devour the souls of my prey through the expedient of lethal orgasms?"
"I'm still waiting for you to raise a bad point."
She slapped him lightly on the back. "You charmer."
Great quick read and will bring a smile to your face.
December 19, 2014
Really fun short-story about a necromancer who summons a devil to assist him in some research. But the devil he summons is a she-devil with a cute red bob and a luscious human upper-body attached to the lower body of a spider. Her name is Zarenyia and she is ready to have a good time (and a few light snacks)!
January 15, 2015
Wicked and fun, this short story about a necromancer on a mission and the devil helping him hits all the right notes. Really loved the authors style and can't wait to read more of his work.
April 22, 2015
This was a wonderful story filled with great banter. It fit my mood perfectly!
July 27, 2020
“And you know what that suggests to me?” “Lunch?” “An ambush.” “The two things aren’t necessarily exclusive of one another, you know.”
A humorous short story about a devil-guided visit to chaos, a subdivision of Hell. A pleasant introduction to the world of Johannes Cabal, magician and necromancer. He summons help and gets more than he bargained for.
“How a demi-spider can even mate with a human, or how you absorb their soul? Both mechanisms intrigue and perturb me in equal measure.” “Mechanisms he says. Such a romantic. Well, what say I let you watch the next time I do it?” “Madam, I am no voyeur.” “It’s not voyeurism, it’s science!”
Humor and sexual inuendo, but little to no violence or sex. Quibble: the cover art is inverted.
“I can see why you’re not a demon. Discipline doesn’t come naturally to you, does it?” “You must tell me all about discipline, the very first chance you get.”
A humorous short story about a devil-guided visit to chaos, a subdivision of Hell. A pleasant introduction to the world of Johannes Cabal, magician and necromancer. He summons help and gets more than he bargained for.
“How a demi-spider can even mate with a human, or how you absorb their soul? Both mechanisms intrigue and perturb me in equal measure.” “Mechanisms he says. Such a romantic. Well, what say I let you watch the next time I do it?” “Madam, I am no voyeur.” “It’s not voyeurism, it’s science!”
Humor and sexual inuendo, but little to no violence or sex. Quibble: the cover art is inverted.
“I can see why you’re not a demon. Discipline doesn’t come naturally to you, does it?” “You must tell me all about discipline, the very first chance you get.”
January 20, 2021
Cute short story (32 pgs).
Entertaining blip of a day in the life of necromancer Johannes Cabal.
In this one, he summons a beautiful spider like entity who is not a demon but a self proclaimed devil of autonomous nature, to assist him in locating a powerful ancient Chinese demon (?) who has been attempting to kill Johannes (via a nitric acid bath).
Johannes only wishes to have a conversation with this ancient fellow to share knowledge (and then kill him). Unfortunately they are not of like mind in the sharing.
So, through the wit and intellect of Cabal, he finds a loophole and so ends this portion of his search for cheating death.
Again, filled with wit and humor, I highly recommend.
Not necessary to read the others, but of course doing so will enhance your experience.
Content concerns: Blood, gore, cursing, violence
Entertaining blip of a day in the life of necromancer Johannes Cabal.
In this one, he summons a beautiful spider like entity who is not a demon but a self proclaimed devil of autonomous nature, to assist him in locating a powerful ancient Chinese demon (?) who has been attempting to kill Johannes (via a nitric acid bath).
Johannes only wishes to have a conversation with this ancient fellow to share knowledge (and then kill him). Unfortunately they are not of like mind in the sharing.
So, through the wit and intellect of Cabal, he finds a loophole and so ends this portion of his search for cheating death.
Again, filled with wit and humor, I highly recommend.
Not necessary to read the others, but of course doing so will enhance your experience.
Content concerns: Blood, gore, cursing, violence
Read
December 6, 2021I thought this novella started out well: it was slyly witty and the descriptions and dialogue were amusing. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of horror so I couldn't enjoy the rest of the story. The discreet ribaldry was somewhat off-putting in the face of some mild body horror and casual murder. But I did like the piscine humour and descriptions of Satan. I'm intrigued enough by the author to try more of his work.
January 9, 2015
"Cabal rose and walked to the edge of the circle. “And what would you want?”
The devil looked off into the middle distance in deep thought, her expression that of a child formulating a letter to Father Christmas. “Well,” she said after some moments of consideration, “I haven’t been summoned in a very long time, and I’m bored. Whatever you want me to do, it had better be interesting. Also, it would be lovely to kill a few people. So . . . yes, those are my demands: murder and fun.”
Cabal looked up at the spider devil Zarenyia and crossed his arms. “Madam,” he said slowly, “I believe we may have a deal.”"
This was a delight to read. The conversations between Cabal and Zarenyia kept me laughing.
The devil looked off into the middle distance in deep thought, her expression that of a child formulating a letter to Father Christmas. “Well,” she said after some moments of consideration, “I haven’t been summoned in a very long time, and I’m bored. Whatever you want me to do, it had better be interesting. Also, it would be lovely to kill a few people. So . . . yes, those are my demands: murder and fun.”
Cabal looked up at the spider devil Zarenyia and crossed his arms. “Madam,” he said slowly, “I believe we may have a deal.”"
This was a delight to read. The conversations between Cabal and Zarenyia kept me laughing.
December 17, 2014
Definitely a favorite of mine
What a great short story! Johannes Cabal, our favorite necromancer is taking a secret side trip to hell to confront a Chinese sorcerer who is trying to kill him. To do this he enlists the aid of a spider devil (not demon) who is a delightful character and I hope will show up again in future novels.
The writing is witty and filled with memorable bon mitts. I chuckled throughout at the interchanges. I also commend the fabulous and appropriate cover art. Just wonderful! All Johannes Cabal books are superb as is this short piece. The only complaint is that it is short.
What a great short story! Johannes Cabal, our favorite necromancer is taking a secret side trip to hell to confront a Chinese sorcerer who is trying to kill him. To do this he enlists the aid of a spider devil (not demon) who is a delightful character and I hope will show up again in future novels.
The writing is witty and filled with memorable bon mitts. I chuckled throughout at the interchanges. I also commend the fabulous and appropriate cover art. Just wonderful! All Johannes Cabal books are superb as is this short piece. The only complaint is that it is short.
February 1, 2016
Three and a half stars, really. The story is fairly minimal, and I wasn't impressed by the villain, but Johannes is wonderfully practical, and Zarenyia is fun, and their conversations made me laugh. Some Douglas Adams moments in this one.
May 19, 2015
Well that was a fun read! Makes me want to get the Johannes Cabal books (promptly googled to find that out after finishing this short story). Huhu.
December 13, 2015
loved it! the Cabal universe of stories is fantastic... creepy, funny, witty, sarcastic, gorss, sexy, and well-written!!
March 23, 2025
Oh! This was a marvelous read, though very short.
Excellent compact writing, doesn't fumble the plot.
Don't know how to add much else without spoiling!!
Except if you ever had an interest in Llilith the Spider Queen of the Drow, you really shouldn't miss this chapbook!!
Excellent compact writing, doesn't fumble the plot.
Don't know how to add much else without spoiling!!
Except if you ever had an interest in Llilith the Spider Queen of the Drow, you really shouldn't miss this chapbook!!
February 5, 2020
I love Zarenyia damn it!
February 28, 2025
My favorites of his short stories/novellas in the Cabal series. The wit was top notch from the start, and it was neat to catch a more... smitten... side of Johannes.
October 22, 2017
The best of the short stories, imo. Great fun all around! I do hope Zareniya shows up again!
November 21, 2020
I love Johannes Cabal, and read as much as I possibly can about him. This was a good story, but it was by no means the best. Still, it was a fun, quick read, with some sexual humor. Not bad. If you have not read the Johannes Cabal stories yet, I suggest starting with either the first book: The Necromancer or the first short story: Johannes Cabal and the Blustery Day. This is better for when you're an old Cabal veteran, since there is not as much character development, and the story seems to focus more on the plot and the setting than Johannes himself.
May 12, 2015
I think this was the best Cabal short story I've read so far; it was smart, the humour was great and Zarenyia was a brilliant character.
April 5, 2024
Dibs dibs dibs
July 29, 2016
3.5 stars. More fun in Hell with my favourite necromancer and his companion arachno-succubus.
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