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A Demon's Story #1
A Warm Place to Call Home
As far as he call tell, Frederick is a demon. "Born" in Virginia in the early 1980s, he hasn't a clue where he came from or why, but his irresistible desire to occupy a human body seems pretty demony to him. Plus, a number of a-hole priests have tried to exorcise him from some of his favorite bodies. Yeah, it works, but not for the reasons they think. It's just super annoying being yelled at in Latin, and sometimes the priests are way into it, and their mouths get all frothy and spittle droplets shoot out and land on your cheek or in your eye. It's gross.
So f--k it. He leaves. "Enjoy the drooly meat sack."
What those morons don't realize is that once Frederick takes over a body, the previous occupant's consciousness and memories are forever erased. It's an inevitable side effect that gives Frederick pause when switching bodies, but not so much as to actually halt his ongoing enjoyment of human lives. Departures are not so much "Good lord, what have I done?" moments, but more like "Aww. How sad." Frowny face emoji, not crying face emoji. You get the point.
In various bodies, he explores the world for decades, aimless, sampling cultures and experiencing life through the perspectives of males and females, young and old, rich and poor. Prostitution proves especially enjoyable for a while, but he eventually finds thievery and pickpocketing also offer a delightful rush. Of course, it's crucial for one to be able to jump ship when caught stealing or when things start getting itchy down there, so he wouldn't recommend said lifestyles to the average fellow or … gal. Is it gal? Seems like gal goes with guy.
Burnt out on the wild life, Frederick decides he'll return to America, explore the mystery of his origin, and maybe even find someone tolerable enough to love for more than a month. In his "hometown" of Leesburg, Virginia, his mission bears fruit much faster than expected. He meets an enchanting creature named Melanie, and her boyfriend Joseph looks like a perfect fit. Frederick isn't a fan of maintaining a bodies' prior relationships (it requires lengthy, boring pre-research to avoid detection) but, as you know, he's loose with the phrase "f--k it."
Frederick takes Joseph's body and everything works out perfectly! Except for Joseph's job as a US Postal Inspector. And Joseph's relationship with his brother and family. And, well, a few little problems with Melanie … and OKAY FINE, everything goes to utter shit! But you're going to want to read how all this goes down. I mean, look at all those awards and reviews down there! Unless you're deeply offended by naughty words and a couple brief, awkward descriptions of semi-hot demon-possessed-human–on–human sex, you're pretty much guaranteed to fall in love with Frederick. So says Frederick. } ; )
So f--k it. He leaves. "Enjoy the drooly meat sack."
What those morons don't realize is that once Frederick takes over a body, the previous occupant's consciousness and memories are forever erased. It's an inevitable side effect that gives Frederick pause when switching bodies, but not so much as to actually halt his ongoing enjoyment of human lives. Departures are not so much "Good lord, what have I done?" moments, but more like "Aww. How sad." Frowny face emoji, not crying face emoji. You get the point.
In various bodies, he explores the world for decades, aimless, sampling cultures and experiencing life through the perspectives of males and females, young and old, rich and poor. Prostitution proves especially enjoyable for a while, but he eventually finds thievery and pickpocketing also offer a delightful rush. Of course, it's crucial for one to be able to jump ship when caught stealing or when things start getting itchy down there, so he wouldn't recommend said lifestyles to the average fellow or … gal. Is it gal? Seems like gal goes with guy.
Burnt out on the wild life, Frederick decides he'll return to America, explore the mystery of his origin, and maybe even find someone tolerable enough to love for more than a month. In his "hometown" of Leesburg, Virginia, his mission bears fruit much faster than expected. He meets an enchanting creature named Melanie, and her boyfriend Joseph looks like a perfect fit. Frederick isn't a fan of maintaining a bodies' prior relationships (it requires lengthy, boring pre-research to avoid detection) but, as you know, he's loose with the phrase "f--k it."
Frederick takes Joseph's body and everything works out perfectly! Except for Joseph's job as a US Postal Inspector. And Joseph's relationship with his brother and family. And, well, a few little problems with Melanie … and OKAY FINE, everything goes to utter shit! But you're going to want to read how all this goes down. I mean, look at all those awards and reviews down there! Unless you're deeply offended by naughty words and a couple brief, awkward descriptions of semi-hot demon-possessed-human–on–human sex, you're pretty much guaranteed to fall in love with Frederick. So says Frederick. } ; )
Paperback
First published March 5, 2013
32 people are currently reading
2248 people want to read
About the author
Michael Siemsen
22 books238 followersUSA Today and Amazon bestselling author of Exigency (2014), the Matt Turner series (The Dig, 2011; The Opal, 2012; Return, 2015), and the Demon’s Story series (A Warm Place to Call Home, and The Many Lives of Samuel Beauchamp, 2013), Michael Siemsen has sold more than 175,000 books.
Michael grew up in Venice, California, the second son of a Vietnam veteran who was the first son of a Korean War veteran who was the first son of a World War I veteran. Like Lieutenant Dan, Michael carried on the family tradition and joined the Army, though the only wars he fought in involved blank ammunition, laser tag gear, and were kinda fun.
After a decade working various soul-sucking IT jobs, he independently released THE DIG in early 2011, and, 14 months later, the quirky sci-fi story rocketed to #1 on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, remaining in the top 10 for the rest of the year. He quit his job a few months into THE DIG's initial surge, and has released five more novels since.
Michael is currently at work on the next books in his popular serieseses.
Michael grew up in Venice, California, the second son of a Vietnam veteran who was the first son of a Korean War veteran who was the first son of a World War I veteran. Like Lieutenant Dan, Michael carried on the family tradition and joined the Army, though the only wars he fought in involved blank ammunition, laser tag gear, and were kinda fun.
After a decade working various soul-sucking IT jobs, he independently released THE DIG in early 2011, and, 14 months later, the quirky sci-fi story rocketed to #1 on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, remaining in the top 10 for the rest of the year. He quit his job a few months into THE DIG's initial surge, and has released five more novels since.
Michael is currently at work on the next books in his popular serieseses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 1, 2015
The voice of Frederick sucked me in (no pun intended) and his shenanigans (trials and tribulations mostly self inflicted) just held me like glue. He's selfish and irreverent, but at the same time very likeable. It's an intelligent story with layers. At one point a character points out, "Ethos anthropos daimon...'your character is your daimon' or Character is Fate." This ends up having a double meaning, but this feels like the heart of the story. Frederick's existence is what it is because of who he was...the choices he made...etc. The story is probably going to spend the next few weeks fermenting in my brain because it makes you think about how you live and the choices you make and how they affect your body...how your character affects the life you live and how your choices reverberate through your extended family etc. I think this was brilliantly written. Frederick's story slowly unravels and we learn as he learns who he is and what he is. I'm really hoping the author writes a follow up...because I'd love to spend some more time in Frederick!
August 4, 2021
A few months ago I read and loved Michael Siemsen's second book in his (a demon's story) series, The Many Lives of Samuel Beauchamp. A Warm Place to Call Home was the first book published so I have read them out of order but would this matter?
A Warm Place to Call Home doesn't feature Samuel - this time our demon is Frederick. And he is very different to Samuel who I found a sympathetic and likeable character. Frederick on the other hand is pretty amoral, whereas Samuel wanted a family to love, Frederick is a thrill-seeker who sees the bodies he uses as a means of getting what he wants. He takes over a person's body when he feels like it and when he decides it's time to move on he discards them, leaving an empty shell. When he meets and wants Melanie he has no qualms about taking over her boyfriend, Joseph's body, he is merely a means to an end. Frederick then is not that likeable. Yet I did grow to like him. This isn't the dark thriller that Many Lives is but is no less an enjoyable and thoughtful read. It suggests there is a sliding scale between evil and good and examines what motivates people in the way they behave towards others. How good is a benevolent act if it's self-serving? Can love change a demon? A Warm Place to Call Home is challenging and intelligent with plenty of twists and turns and an ambiguous ending, it kept me guessing and I was engrossed throughout. Michael Siemsen says he wrote the books so they work either way and I'm pleased to say I agree with him. I didn't feel my enjoyment of either was impaired by the order I read them in. There are hints about the other story in both books without giving anything away and they complement each other perfectly. I'm now eagerly awaiting the third book, Frederick & Samuel.
A Warm Place to Call Home doesn't feature Samuel - this time our demon is Frederick. And he is very different to Samuel who I found a sympathetic and likeable character. Frederick on the other hand is pretty amoral, whereas Samuel wanted a family to love, Frederick is a thrill-seeker who sees the bodies he uses as a means of getting what he wants. He takes over a person's body when he feels like it and when he decides it's time to move on he discards them, leaving an empty shell. When he meets and wants Melanie he has no qualms about taking over her boyfriend, Joseph's body, he is merely a means to an end. Frederick then is not that likeable. Yet I did grow to like him. This isn't the dark thriller that Many Lives is but is no less an enjoyable and thoughtful read. It suggests there is a sliding scale between evil and good and examines what motivates people in the way they behave towards others. How good is a benevolent act if it's self-serving? Can love change a demon? A Warm Place to Call Home is challenging and intelligent with plenty of twists and turns and an ambiguous ending, it kept me guessing and I was engrossed throughout. Michael Siemsen says he wrote the books so they work either way and I'm pleased to say I agree with him. I didn't feel my enjoyment of either was impaired by the order I read them in. There are hints about the other story in both books without giving anything away and they complement each other perfectly. I'm now eagerly awaiting the third book, Frederick & Samuel.
February 10, 2015
Once again Michael Siemsen has forced his reader to think outside the box and leave the comfort zone of the traditional story line. But this time he is not jumping across time and dancing us through history with wonderful discoveries of archaeological finds while leading us on wild rides through hair raising adventures.
This time Michael has delved into a new genre and dared us to look at who a demon is, in a different light. Just how long can you hold out hating this guy? And just who is he? Is he a fallen being from another dimension that has found himself trapped in our time and space and having to contend with what is here? But then... Michael has never been one for staying inside the lines. That's why I enjoy reading his novels so much. I never know where the turn of the next page is going to take me. What twist in the narrative he has plotted to throw me for a loop and send me back a few pages to rethink my misconceptions of his character. I LOVE IT.
Michael is a writer for the thinker, a lover of mysteries (more ways than one), and has a wonderful way of weaving his story so that you can't put down the book till the last page has been turned... with full plans to pick it up and re-read it and figure out how you missed the clues.
This time Michael has delved into a new genre and dared us to look at who a demon is, in a different light. Just how long can you hold out hating this guy? And just who is he? Is he a fallen being from another dimension that has found himself trapped in our time and space and having to contend with what is here? But then... Michael has never been one for staying inside the lines. That's why I enjoy reading his novels so much. I never know where the turn of the next page is going to take me. What twist in the narrative he has plotted to throw me for a loop and send me back a few pages to rethink my misconceptions of his character. I LOVE IT.
Michael is a writer for the thinker, a lover of mysteries (more ways than one), and has a wonderful way of weaving his story so that you can't put down the book till the last page has been turned... with full plans to pick it up and re-read it and figure out how you missed the clues.
May 23, 2013
If you’re reading this, you probably already know that I received this book as part of the A Warm Place to Call Home Blog Tour. When organizing this tour, I asked the author what genre his book was and we had a little bit of trouble really nailing that down. It’s like nothing else I have ever read. It doesn’t feel like a traditional paranormal romance but it certainly is, by definition, a paranormal romance. The cover looks like it wants to be a new adult romance but the story has elements that are much more adult than new adult. There’s a somewhat urban fantasy feel but it’s not really urban fantasy. If backed into a corner, I would have no clue how to actually classify this book. As I said, it’s not really like anything I have read before.
Mr. Siemsen has a beautiful writing style. It’s warm and intriguing. Descriptive but not overly “wordy”. And most importantly, it flows very well from start to finish. The story is well developed with a few twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.
Then there’s the main character Frederick. He’s kind of awesome as characters go! He’s a lot of fun to read and a personality that most will like instantly.
Overall, I am giving A Warm Place to Call Home a solid 4.5 stars. It’s a good read and a wonderful story!
Mr. Siemsen has a beautiful writing style. It’s warm and intriguing. Descriptive but not overly “wordy”. And most importantly, it flows very well from start to finish. The story is well developed with a few twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.
Then there’s the main character Frederick. He’s kind of awesome as characters go! He’s a lot of fun to read and a personality that most will like instantly.
Overall, I am giving A Warm Place to Call Home a solid 4.5 stars. It’s a good read and a wonderful story!
February 25, 2015
Where to begin? First I have to let everyone know this is my first Michael Siemsen's book! This story of Frederick *the demon* is not at all what you might think. Frederick is not a fire breathing demon with fangs, he's actually like us in some ways!. I couldn't put the book down once I started it. The book flows from chapter to chapter. The ending is definitely not what I expected but I got it! Michael Siemsen is one of my new favorite authors. Frederick's story was fantastic! Thank you Michael!
September 1, 2021
I liked the cover so I picked this book. It was surprising and interesting. I really liked it.
It's too fresh and I don't know what to say, just that it's good.
It's too fresh and I don't know what to say, just that it's good.
October 1, 2013
A Warm Place to Call Home by Michael Siemsen
Reviewer – Kris (w/ I Heart Books)
Rating – <3 <3 <3 <3 ½
This was one of those cases where I fell for the author before having read their work. I had liked the author’s page on Facebook for one reason or another and even enjoyed interaction from time to time. When I finally got this opportunity to read his work this weekend, I was pleasantly surprised (and relieved) that I genuinely liked A Warm Place to Call Home.
First, I had to set aside all preconceived notions of demons. I love this! Who doesn’t like taking an old subject and making it new again?
Fredrick was witty, funny, a lot mischievous and also sweet in his offhand way. He often tried to cover up sweet deeds with a blasé attitude. I found that drew me to liking him even more. To understand him, I felt you had to understand how detached he was from humankind. That seems odd considering it was his nature to takeover human lives. He believed he was something bad and often wrote off his actions because of that fact. Layers; Fredrick definitely had many layers.
Melanie was perfect and beautiful in Fredrick's eyes. He fell "in love" with her through snapshots, but his ideal Melanie was shot to pieces after spending one night with her. I think that's when he really started to fall in love with her. When he uncovered her flaws and was still drawn to her.
The book was hilarious at times, making me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. It was sweet and light, also somehow dark. I’ll admit to crying more than once, too. A lot of sensitive subjects are broached, but done in a very tasteful way. I am not easily offended anyways but I don't see this book being a problem even with those more sensitive souls. Though it has paranormal aspects it did not scream PARANORMAL read to me. It was very much human and emotional.
Being told from Fredrick’s POV was perfect. You learn so much of his personality this way and I couldn’t imagine it having the same impact from any other POV.
In the end I had to demolish what we consider to be a "happy ending". That’s not to say this wasn't a happy one, it was. Just with a twist.
While I'm not sure it was Siemsen’s intentions, this whole book was a pretty refreshing look at human nature... all from a "demon".
This is a breathy review, but I found it was hard to sum this book up in any less. Lol.
*I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewer – Kris (w/ I Heart Books)
Rating – <3 <3 <3 <3 ½
This was one of those cases where I fell for the author before having read their work. I had liked the author’s page on Facebook for one reason or another and even enjoyed interaction from time to time. When I finally got this opportunity to read his work this weekend, I was pleasantly surprised (and relieved) that I genuinely liked A Warm Place to Call Home.
First, I had to set aside all preconceived notions of demons. I love this! Who doesn’t like taking an old subject and making it new again?
Fredrick was witty, funny, a lot mischievous and also sweet in his offhand way. He often tried to cover up sweet deeds with a blasé attitude. I found that drew me to liking him even more. To understand him, I felt you had to understand how detached he was from humankind. That seems odd considering it was his nature to takeover human lives. He believed he was something bad and often wrote off his actions because of that fact. Layers; Fredrick definitely had many layers.
Melanie was perfect and beautiful in Fredrick's eyes. He fell "in love" with her through snapshots, but his ideal Melanie was shot to pieces after spending one night with her. I think that's when he really started to fall in love with her. When he uncovered her flaws and was still drawn to her.
The book was hilarious at times, making me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. It was sweet and light, also somehow dark. I’ll admit to crying more than once, too. A lot of sensitive subjects are broached, but done in a very tasteful way. I am not easily offended anyways but I don't see this book being a problem even with those more sensitive souls. Though it has paranormal aspects it did not scream PARANORMAL read to me. It was very much human and emotional.
Being told from Fredrick’s POV was perfect. You learn so much of his personality this way and I couldn’t imagine it having the same impact from any other POV.
In the end I had to demolish what we consider to be a "happy ending". That’s not to say this wasn't a happy one, it was. Just with a twist.
While I'm not sure it was Siemsen’s intentions, this whole book was a pretty refreshing look at human nature... all from a "demon".
This is a breathy review, but I found it was hard to sum this book up in any less. Lol.
*I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2013
3.5 stars
Different. Odd. Yet, the author creates a character that talks directly to the readers...quite intriguing. At 59% into the book I found myself liking it...again. James shocked me with his ...:& *lips shut*...wow! Read the book. Close to the end, you're like WTfudge!? WOW!! The book ties neatly with the beginning with his host Morgan. This book is filled with vulgarity; indecent, obscene...etc. But I LIKED it!!
Different. Odd. Yet, the author creates a character that talks directly to the readers...quite intriguing. At 59% into the book I found myself liking it...again. James shocked me with his ...:& *lips shut*...wow! Read the book. Close to the end, you're like WTfudge!? WOW!! The book ties neatly with the beginning with his host Morgan. This book is filled with vulgarity; indecent, obscene...etc. But I LIKED it!!
March 21, 2013
Since I'm such a fan of the Dig series (and still anxiously waiting to find out what happens next!) this was totally different from what I expected. But the more I read, the more I got hooked by the characters. Love the twist at the end, it brought a whole new meaning to the story. The only thing is that now he has to write a sequel to give Frederick a happy ending...
May 23, 2015
Very interesting take on the idea of "demon possession". Imagine the ability to take over a person's body and life, then when you get bored you leave for the next one. The downside, when you leave you also erase the mind of person you possess, thus leaving a breathing vegetable. A good story with some twists I didn't expect.
March 11, 2013
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! It's hard to not love the main character, Frederick, even though he's a demon lol. Really enjoyed this book all the way through and the ending did not disappoint. Everyone should read this book-maybe Demons should be the new vampires...
April 9, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I would have given it 3.5 stars if I could. I still don't know whether I think the main character is an antagonist or protagonist. There is not a clear line of good/evil. It was very real, even though it was a story about a demon. Although the end was very twisty.
October 6, 2014
Best book I've read in years. Can anyone recommend more unique books like this?
February 20, 2019
That was interesting. It was definitely a different take on the idea of "demon possession". Even then, I don't necessarily feel that it's the right terminology to use. However, in order to understand what I mean by that, you will have to read the book. The explanation and reveal factor for this book is pretty huge. Avoid spoilers at all costs!
This was my first book by this author and I randomly came across it on a GR list. I'm glad I decided to pick it up. Frederick mentions a few times in the book that he's not sure whether he's the antagonist or protagonist, but I'm going to throw my vote in for protagonist. To be fair, I will always choose the anti-hero over the hero because it's my own personal preference. I just didn't think Frederick was very evil. He didn't care one bit about most people, but that's OK.
The writing was easy to read and flowed well. Conversations were a little bit on the cliche side, but it worked well with the overall comedic tone of the book. I enjoyed most of the characters, whether they were good or evil, except for Melanie. For some reason, I just never took a shine to her and I realize that's the opposite of what I'm supposed to feel.
Overall, an enjoyable read. A good break from reading serious things while still maintaining a dark subject matter.
This was my first book by this author and I randomly came across it on a GR list. I'm glad I decided to pick it up. Frederick mentions a few times in the book that he's not sure whether he's the antagonist or protagonist, but I'm going to throw my vote in for protagonist. To be fair, I will always choose the anti-hero over the hero because it's my own personal preference. I just didn't think Frederick was very evil. He didn't care one bit about most people, but that's OK.
The writing was easy to read and flowed well. Conversations were a little bit on the cliche side, but it worked well with the overall comedic tone of the book. I enjoyed most of the characters, whether they were good or evil, except for Melanie. For some reason, I just never took a shine to her and I realize that's the opposite of what I'm supposed to feel.
Overall, an enjoyable read. A good break from reading serious things while still maintaining a dark subject matter.
July 31, 2017
3.5 stars
This was actually the fifth book the Book-Curious Bibliophiles (my book club) read for our Tiny Tid-Bit Review section. While this is definitely not something I would normally pick up I'm glad it got chosen so I could expand some of the authors I read! While I didn't love this book it was enjoyable enough for me to finish. I won't lie, the beginning was incredibly difficult for me to get into but once Frederick finally inhabited who would become our main character it started to pick up. I loved that as a daimon he wasn't perfect. He fully admitted to just mind wiping an entire jail cell block because he was "getting the hang" of doing it. Or that when he does take over his main body he is god awful at actually doing the gentleman's job of postal security. He forgets procedures, doesn't get warrants, doesn't realize he may be shot at on a daily basis, basically everything that makes him...well...him he completely gets wrong.
Towards the end I did have a lot of frustration. I got confused with how exactly he was able to just be pushed from his own body (before he became a daimon), or how he was able to stick around at the end of the book (after everything happens and people...well...you know..). At the beginning of the book he talks about how he's able to stay out of a body for up to a week or so before he basically just starts getting sucked in without any control but at the end it just kind of ends with him not saying whether or not he's actually in a body or what he's doing other than being creepy and watching people.
The whole premise of the book was fairly interesting for me as I've never really considered how a ghost/daimon would view life. I liked knowing what he thought of as he inhabited a body or as he was choosing who he was going to take over. I also liked the beginning of the story when he was telling us all about all of the previous lives he lived!
Even though I did fairly enjoy this book I probably will not go out of my way to read another one like it as it just isn't really my kind of genre. I did appreciate getting the chance to broaden my horizons with a new book however and always look forward to any recommendations you all may have. So please, if you have any recommendations for me leave a comment with them. Even if you don't leave a comment and say hi!
This was actually the fifth book the Book-Curious Bibliophiles (my book club) read for our Tiny Tid-Bit Review section. While this is definitely not something I would normally pick up I'm glad it got chosen so I could expand some of the authors I read! While I didn't love this book it was enjoyable enough for me to finish. I won't lie, the beginning was incredibly difficult for me to get into but once Frederick finally inhabited who would become our main character it started to pick up. I loved that as a daimon he wasn't perfect. He fully admitted to just mind wiping an entire jail cell block because he was "getting the hang" of doing it. Or that when he does take over his main body he is god awful at actually doing the gentleman's job of postal security. He forgets procedures, doesn't get warrants, doesn't realize he may be shot at on a daily basis, basically everything that makes him...well...him he completely gets wrong.
Towards the end I did have a lot of frustration. I got confused with how exactly he was able to just be pushed from his own body (before he became a daimon), or how he was able to stick around at the end of the book (after everything happens and people...well...you know..). At the beginning of the book he talks about how he's able to stay out of a body for up to a week or so before he basically just starts getting sucked in without any control but at the end it just kind of ends with him not saying whether or not he's actually in a body or what he's doing other than being creepy and watching people.
The whole premise of the book was fairly interesting for me as I've never really considered how a ghost/daimon would view life. I liked knowing what he thought of as he inhabited a body or as he was choosing who he was going to take over. I also liked the beginning of the story when he was telling us all about all of the previous lives he lived!
Even though I did fairly enjoy this book I probably will not go out of my way to read another one like it as it just isn't really my kind of genre. I did appreciate getting the chance to broaden my horizons with a new book however and always look forward to any recommendations you all may have. So please, if you have any recommendations for me leave a comment with them. Even if you don't leave a comment and say hi!
January 1, 2023
A very different sort of read for me. Although it took me a few chapters, I did get hooked on where this story was going. Once hooked, I had a hard time putting it down.
May 10, 2014
Fredrick is a body hopping demon and he has decided it is time for him to find a nice body to call home where he can develop a relationship and start a family. What better place to start looking than the memories of where he began?
I was immediately drawn to Fredrick's voice from the very beginning of this story. He was cavalier and had a sarcastic wit about him, but was likeable for a demon. He had some decent qualities, but saw no sense in cultivating them because he was a demon after all. Or at least Fredrick assumed he was a demon, but was actually unsure about what he was exactly.
Obviously we were being told this story through Fredrick's eyes. The characters were cleverly developed and realistic. The plot is well paced as we learned Fredrick was not truly evil, he's impulsive and egocentric but rather benign. He chose Joseph Cling because he was a handsome man and Melanie liked him and Fredrick decided he wanted Melanie. However, he was too anxious to be with Melanie to properly watch and get to know Joseph first. Escapades ensue as Fred/Joe stumbles through trying to be Joseph in his day job. Feeling at home in Joseph's body he made a conscientious effort to be everything Melanie wanted him to be.
To complicate matters, Joseph's identical twin brother, James, thinks he knows what has happened with Joseph and tries to convince Fredrick to leave Joseph's body. Fredrick is convinced that James doesn't have a clue and is making wild claims. Nonetheless trouble really hits the fan when jealousy rears its ugly head and Fred/Joe loses all sense of reality in a jealous rage over one of Melanie's past relationships. Mr. Siemsen weaves a complicated tale of the concept between good, evil, and purity as they become shades of gray and far too human and frustrating when self-doubt creeps in. When is altruism self-serving and when is it a selfless act? Philosophical questions are explored in a unique and thoughtful way.
FYI: This book contains explicit language and adult sexual content.
Format/Typo Issues: I found no significant editing errors
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** May 3, 2014
I was immediately drawn to Fredrick's voice from the very beginning of this story. He was cavalier and had a sarcastic wit about him, but was likeable for a demon. He had some decent qualities, but saw no sense in cultivating them because he was a demon after all. Or at least Fredrick assumed he was a demon, but was actually unsure about what he was exactly.
Obviously we were being told this story through Fredrick's eyes. The characters were cleverly developed and realistic. The plot is well paced as we learned Fredrick was not truly evil, he's impulsive and egocentric but rather benign. He chose Joseph Cling because he was a handsome man and Melanie liked him and Fredrick decided he wanted Melanie. However, he was too anxious to be with Melanie to properly watch and get to know Joseph first. Escapades ensue as Fred/Joe stumbles through trying to be Joseph in his day job. Feeling at home in Joseph's body he made a conscientious effort to be everything Melanie wanted him to be.
To complicate matters, Joseph's identical twin brother, James, thinks he knows what has happened with Joseph and tries to convince Fredrick to leave Joseph's body. Fredrick is convinced that James doesn't have a clue and is making wild claims. Nonetheless trouble really hits the fan when jealousy rears its ugly head and Fred/Joe loses all sense of reality in a jealous rage over one of Melanie's past relationships. Mr. Siemsen weaves a complicated tale of the concept between good, evil, and purity as they become shades of gray and far too human and frustrating when self-doubt creeps in. When is altruism self-serving and when is it a selfless act? Philosophical questions are explored in a unique and thoughtful way.
FYI: This book contains explicit language and adult sexual content.
Format/Typo Issues: I found no significant editing errors
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** May 3, 2014
January 4, 2022
I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Unfortunately it did not deliver. The idea of waking up in someone else's body or with total amnesia and somehow trying to figure out who you are and what the details of your life are is not particularly new. But it appeared Michael Siemsen had an interesting twist on this concept. And in the beginning, he did. But it quickly devolved into a sort of trite romance novel with a huge helping of melodrama - and very graphic sex. Lots of it.
I'm not sure who the audience for something like this is. It certainly wan't me, because it seemed throughout that the author hadn't really decided what kind of novel he wanted to write. In addition the aforementioned "romance" (a bit of a stretch), he toyed with an action story, police procedural, some medical drama, travelogue of the Mid-Atlantic, complex family dynamics, pedophilia, and a really lengthy pseudo-religious discussion of the nature of existence and of the soul. That "demon" that's mentioned in the subtitle of the book? Nope not even close.
And for some reason he tried to do all of this with a bit of clever wit. Regrettably that's actually the best part of the entire novel!
It also became very confusing in the final few chapters as Siemsen worked hard to give us a convoluted twist to the tale. Sadly that didn't work very well either. I had to strongly suspend my disbelief throughout up to that point, but that drew it all back to the point of extreme eye rolls and relief that I was finally done.
I hate writing such negative reviews, but I did not enjoy much about this book.
I'm not sure who the audience for something like this is. It certainly wan't me, because it seemed throughout that the author hadn't really decided what kind of novel he wanted to write. In addition the aforementioned "romance" (a bit of a stretch), he toyed with an action story, police procedural, some medical drama, travelogue of the Mid-Atlantic, complex family dynamics, pedophilia, and a really lengthy pseudo-religious discussion of the nature of existence and of the soul. That "demon" that's mentioned in the subtitle of the book? Nope not even close.
And for some reason he tried to do all of this with a bit of clever wit. Regrettably that's actually the best part of the entire novel!
It also became very confusing in the final few chapters as Siemsen worked hard to give us a convoluted twist to the tale. Sadly that didn't work very well either. I had to strongly suspend my disbelief throughout up to that point, but that drew it all back to the point of extreme eye rolls and relief that I was finally done.
I hate writing such negative reviews, but I did not enjoy much about this book.
October 14, 2013
Okay, I actually fluctuated on this rating, because while interesting and well-written and had a great voice and tone, we have to face facts. Frederick's a dick. Seriously. Must be that ingrained demon essentia or something, but it's kind of hard to emphasize with or like a dick.
Of course, once you read the whole book, then you go, "Oh! I see now!" Yeah, it's that kind of book. You have to read the whole thing to understand Frederick and where he's coming from (or, in this instance, where he "came" from).
The sex scenes? I don't know if Frederick thinking he "was the man" in the sack was written tongue-in-cheek, or if Frederick was really supposed to be that good in the sack, because as written? Nope. Didn't do it for me. LOL The jury is still out on what the author intended on that score. (Score! Yeah, I said it...)
Plot-wise, it started off slooooowwwwww. I could have used a little less of Frederick's inner musings to get on with the story. There's a lot of inner musings in the beginning, however, there are some doozy plot twists at the end. The book made like a pretzel and played with your mind, man.
And you really want to blow your mind? It will be properly blown when you literally read the last line of the book. That had me stewing and thinking for *days*. Now that's the kind of ending that sticks with you.
So, despite the main character getting off to a sketchy start, the book ended with a solid 4 stars.
Of course, once you read the whole book, then you go, "Oh! I see now!" Yeah, it's that kind of book. You have to read the whole thing to understand Frederick and where he's coming from (or, in this instance, where he "came" from).
The sex scenes? I don't know if Frederick thinking he "was the man" in the sack was written tongue-in-cheek, or if Frederick was really supposed to be that good in the sack, because as written? Nope. Didn't do it for me. LOL The jury is still out on what the author intended on that score. (Score! Yeah, I said it...)
Plot-wise, it started off slooooowwwwww. I could have used a little less of Frederick's inner musings to get on with the story. There's a lot of inner musings in the beginning, however, there are some doozy plot twists at the end. The book made like a pretzel and played with your mind, man.
And you really want to blow your mind? It will be properly blown when you literally read the last line of the book. That had me stewing and thinking for *days*. Now that's the kind of ending that sticks with you.
So, despite the main character getting off to a sketchy start, the book ended with a solid 4 stars.
July 29, 2015
It is very interesting and quite fun when a story makes you want to cheer for the bad guy. I was cheering for Frederick, however, he makes a lot of dumb choices and it aggravates me! I spent half of the book wondering if I should put it down. Fortunately I did not because it gets GOOD!
Frederick has some issues. Most of them he brings upon himself. I have to say though I do not know what I would do in his place. He thinks he's a demon but really only his actions speak for being a "demon". He travels the world and figures out he can jump in and out of bodies, leaving them comatose afterward. In his defense he does feel badly about some of them, but that doesn't stop him!
"Who's every heard of a demon named Frederick? I'm the only one that I know of. But to be honest that statement should carry little weight since I've never met others."
The story is a great change from the normal demon stories I've read. Very intriguing! Many of Frederick's choices annoy me but for the most part I wanted to know what was going to happen to him. It is worth the wait. The twist at the end dazzled me! The clues are there but never in a million years would I have come up with what happens. Love that Michael Siemsen was able to throw me for a loop!
Full audiobook review coming to Audiobookreviewer.com
Frederick has some issues. Most of them he brings upon himself. I have to say though I do not know what I would do in his place. He thinks he's a demon but really only his actions speak for being a "demon". He travels the world and figures out he can jump in and out of bodies, leaving them comatose afterward. In his defense he does feel badly about some of them, but that doesn't stop him!
"Who's every heard of a demon named Frederick? I'm the only one that I know of. But to be honest that statement should carry little weight since I've never met others."
The story is a great change from the normal demon stories I've read. Very intriguing! Many of Frederick's choices annoy me but for the most part I wanted to know what was going to happen to him. It is worth the wait. The twist at the end dazzled me! The clues are there but never in a million years would I have come up with what happens. Love that Michael Siemsen was able to throw me for a loop!
Full audiobook review coming to Audiobookreviewer.com
October 27, 2013
A Warm Place to Call Home surprised me. This is a story told by a demon named Frederick. He hops bodies and completely takes over his hosts' lives when he does it. When he leaves, the person remains in a persistent vegetative state.
Frederick's motives are questionable at best, especially when he hops into the body of a seemingly simple yet very complicated man simply because he's enamored of the guy's girlfriend. What follows is sometimes funny, often sobering and totally unpredictable.
In retrospect, I believe this is the only book I've ever read where I rooted for the demon!
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a great, unpredictable story and great writing.
Frederick's motives are questionable at best, especially when he hops into the body of a seemingly simple yet very complicated man simply because he's enamored of the guy's girlfriend. What follows is sometimes funny, often sobering and totally unpredictable.
In retrospect, I believe this is the only book I've ever read where I rooted for the demon!
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a great, unpredictable story and great writing.
April 2, 2021
Yall. This was just FUN.
Fredrick is a demon. He doesn't remember how he became one but he does remember the day he fell into his first body and learned the limitations (and freedoms) of overtaking a human. Between navigating his way through pesky exorcisms with spitting priests and falling in love with imperfect humans- Fredrick really has a story to tell you.
I highly recommend this short yet interesting novel in audio form. The narrator was AMAZING. I found myself snickering as his wiseass comments and dialogue. Spending time with Fredrick was the perfect palate cleanser between my usual domestic thrillers and literary adventures.
Fredrick is a demon. He doesn't remember how he became one but he does remember the day he fell into his first body and learned the limitations (and freedoms) of overtaking a human. Between navigating his way through pesky exorcisms with spitting priests and falling in love with imperfect humans- Fredrick really has a story to tell you.
I highly recommend this short yet interesting novel in audio form. The narrator was AMAZING. I found myself snickering as his wiseass comments and dialogue. Spending time with Fredrick was the perfect palate cleanser between my usual domestic thrillers and literary adventures.
March 7, 2013
This is a book about a demon. A demon named Frederick. A demon that you will find yourself liking. Yes. I said you would like a demon. It's true. It is a great story and has twists and turns. It's not scary, maybe just a little creepy, and it has a love triangle in it!! Please read this book, even if you haven't read any of Mr. Siemsen's other books. It is much different than the others that he has written anyway. You will definitely thank me after you read it.
October 1, 2013
I got this book in exchanged for a honest review.....A Warm Place To Call Home by Michael Siemsen
this was a wonderfully told story..about a demon who has jumped from body to body and causing harm to each person he invades but finds one person to make him pause and wanted to live that life so he took "the jump' into man than lives his life but unforseen stuff happends and you gonna have to read the book to find out ...loved the book you got another FAN on your hands....=)
this was a wonderfully told story..about a demon who has jumped from body to body and causing harm to each person he invades but finds one person to make him pause and wanted to live that life so he took "the jump' into man than lives his life but unforseen stuff happends and you gonna have to read the book to find out ...loved the book you got another FAN on your hands....=)
February 6, 2016
Absolutely adored this book and would highly recommend it. Although it starts slowly the witty nature of Frederick and his beautiful linguistic style makes you fall in love with this protagonist (or antagonist if you so decide). As the story unfolds twists and turns come in abundance however, I refuse to elaborate and ruin the story. Just know, if you were to pick up this book, you would not be disappointed.
June 29, 2014
This was a really interesting read. The narrator, a "demon" named Frederick, did his best to be unlikeable but ended up being quite interesting. I won't give anything away but I quite enjoyed the premise of this book. The author does an excellent job of seeming random but in the end pulling everything together in a very neat and creative way. I quite enjoyed this.
April 7, 2015
Again, Michael Siemsen does not disappoint! I was pulled in on the first page and didn't want to put it down until I was finished. Written from a demon's perspective and this demon has a soul. You find yourself seeing his side of things and thinking about what you would do in his situations. Clever book, loved it!
January 20, 2015
What an awesome story. I couldn't stop reading...finished it in less than a few hours. This story will stay with me for some time...you know...the type of novel that you can't help but think about during your day to day life... and ponder it and savor it again and again. Loved it!!
December 13, 2016
A unique story about a demon named Fredrick who tells a self reflecting story about a past life and a girl. This demon is kinda loveable in a way and as he tells the story you learn more and more about him. Deeply thought out story and good characters, moving in a way few fiction stories offer.
January 2, 2019
If I could I'd have given it 3.5 stars
A good, gripping, story but I found that Frederick, as a character, became quite weak towards the end of the novel and lost his humour and out look, which was a shame.
A good, gripping, story but I found that Frederick, as a character, became quite weak towards the end of the novel and lost his humour and out look, which was a shame.
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