Finding Demons

by Benedict Martin

For seventeen-year-old William Stun, ghost town inhabitant and blossoming artist, life is an exercise in boredom. That all changes when an eccentric nobleman named Harold hires him to be his personal photographer. But there is more to Harold than meets the eye, and when William discovers his job requires taking photographs of his employer killing monsters, it isn’t long before he begins pining for the eerie quiet of home.

Unknown Binding

First published August 20, 2014

Reviews

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. William (Billy) Stun is seventeen and about to go on an adventure of a lifetime. Living in Entry isn't an easy life, the plague has wiped out almost everything. When Billy finds a beast attacking a man he thinks he kills both beast and man when he 'shoots' them, Imagine his surprise when he finds the man alive and also that what he shot with was a type of camera. Now joining the man, who he discovers is called Harold Fendeneez, Together Billy and Harold leave Entry and travel on what can only be described as a supernatural adventure. This book was fun to read and had a very interesting premise. Great job, can't wait to finish the story in the next book,

[Luke Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Demons sees us following in the footsteps of William, AKA Billy, a teenage artist who lives in a city once ravaged by plague and now almost devoid of others. He works at his mother's inn, which is patroned by mysterious researchers who work in the mountains beyond the city.

Whilst following up on a mountain lion sighting with hopes of sketching it, he happens upon a stranger who is being attacked by a strange beast. Believing an unfamiliar object he finds close by to be a rifle, he points and shoots, but is left thinking he has killed both man and beast. When a few days later the man appears at the inn not only in perfect health, but offering him employment based on the incredible 'photograph' he took, his adventures with Harold, a seeming seeker of monsters, begins.

I have read a number of Martin's books and Finding Demons shows off his sense of humour and articulate imagination to good effect.

It is a true credit to his writing that despite not really connecting to either Billy or Harold, I cracked through the book at considerable pace. I found the story intriguing, and I especially appreciated how Martin allows the readers to use their own detective work to figure out what each creature may actually be. It's never spelt out, and there are hints to a greater and thicker plot beyond mere monster hunting.

I did find the two main characters a little tiresome. I found the friction irritating rather than endearing or charming, and found it difficult to move past. But the rest of the cast go some way to make up for it.

I also have to admit I was disappointed with what reads like a mid-scene ending. I'm all for cliffhangers, but I think some closure to some of the story is required for it to be satisfying and there simply was none.

If you've read Martin's books before, this will seem comfortably familiar. It will also appeal to those interested in fantasy and adventure. Overall, an enjoyable read.

[Karl Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this tale by Bennedict Martin. He's created a believable world inhabited by characters that feel authentic as well as mysterious. Noticed while reading one passage that it took me directly back to a similar experience of my own (hiking out of the deep woods on a dark night). When fiction brings you back to points in your own life, and makes your heart skip a beat or two, that's a sure sign that you have a good piece of fiction in your hands. I look forward to reading more from this author!