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The Devil's Fox: A slightly wicked love story between a demon and a priest
Akane is the rarest of all creatures, a Kitsune; a fox demon of Japanese lore. She has no soul, only the precious pearl that she holds under her tongue; it is the source of her life and power. Her greatest desire is to have a soul of her own and she soon discovers that people are more than willing to sell theirs for money, power or fame. Nikolai and Thomas are an unlikely pair, a scientist and a blind priest, who uncover a book of dark magic called The Black Hen and the Thirteen Magic Rings. After a deadly run-in with a vengeful demon, Thomas vows never to use the book again. However, Nikolai, seduced by the book’s power, foolishly summons Akane to complete his masterpiece, never realizing his heart’s deepest desire may turn into his greatest defeat. Akane finds herself caught between two men, drawn into a fight with a demon more powerful than any she’s ever known, where death may be her only hope of escape. The Devil’s Fox is a spellbinding story that will wrench your soul and touch your heart. A literary tapestry entwined with vivid characters, a riveting plot and luxurious voice. Get your copy today and don’t miss a single moment of this extraordinary story!
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 16, 2016
This book is about two demons and two humans. In this curious mash-up of fairy-tale/myth and paranormal suspense/thriller George Pollino explores the concepts of the soul and what it means to be human.
The two humans, Nikolai and Thomas, summon up Akane, a kitsune or Japanese fox demon, and in spite of Thomas’ protests, Nikolai offers her his soul in exchange for allowing him to use her pearl, the source of her power, to fuel a bizarre device he has invented to filter an inoperable tumor out of his body. But when he attempts to use his device, although it appears successful at first, things start to go very wrong for all three of them almost immediately.
The backstories for each of the main characters are all wonderfully crafted and wonderfully told. Even the stories of Akane and Abandon (the evil dog demon who appears toward the end with the intention of making sure that nothing ends well), despite their fairy-tale/mythical elements are reasonably believable within the parameters of that type of story.
The modern day suspense/thriller portion of the story is a different thing, however. It feels as if these wonderful characters are dropped into a Twilight Zone blender-like version of a modern city and somebody pushes the ‘puree’ button. However, the suspense part is well kept up until the very end.
While I am not 100% sure I agree with all the author’s conclusions regarding the nature of the soul, they are an interesting addition to the story as a whole. And also interesting – despite the title and the demons, we never see the Devil in this story; in fact he is only barely mentioned once or twice!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The two humans, Nikolai and Thomas, summon up Akane, a kitsune or Japanese fox demon, and in spite of Thomas’ protests, Nikolai offers her his soul in exchange for allowing him to use her pearl, the source of her power, to fuel a bizarre device he has invented to filter an inoperable tumor out of his body. But when he attempts to use his device, although it appears successful at first, things start to go very wrong for all three of them almost immediately.
The backstories for each of the main characters are all wonderfully crafted and wonderfully told. Even the stories of Akane and Abandon (the evil dog demon who appears toward the end with the intention of making sure that nothing ends well), despite their fairy-tale/mythical elements are reasonably believable within the parameters of that type of story.
The modern day suspense/thriller portion of the story is a different thing, however. It feels as if these wonderful characters are dropped into a Twilight Zone blender-like version of a modern city and somebody pushes the ‘puree’ button. However, the suspense part is well kept up until the very end.
While I am not 100% sure I agree with all the author’s conclusions regarding the nature of the soul, they are an interesting addition to the story as a whole. And also interesting – despite the title and the demons, we never see the Devil in this story; in fact he is only barely mentioned once or twice!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2015
s you can imagine, The Devil's Fox, is not your typical love story. My best friend actually read this book and then swore up and down I needed to read it. I'm a bit of a book worm, so she thinks I should read every book she reads. I usually do- but I'm not always a universal fan of her liked literature. With that being said, we both agreed that The Devil's Fox was definitely worth delving into.
When Nikolai and his partner Thomas discover an ancient book with dark magical properties, they each react in different ways. Nikolai, the logical scientist, vows never to touch the book again after experiencing the wrath of the demons within, first hand. Thomas, on the other hand, is intrigued. A blind priest who's heart outweighs his logic continues to use the book and summons a Kitsune named Akane. Akane is a fox demon, absent of a soul, who's only source of spirit is a pearl kept benieth her tongue. But Akane yearns for a soul of her own, and with her powerful demonic influence, and ability to bring forth different fortunes, she realizes many people will exchange their souls to her with the intent of finding some kind of riches or fame in return. Thomas's determined to complete his masterpiece and summons Akane. Little do either of them know, both of their lives and everything they hold dear is at risk. And each of them must face their own inner demons and battles as they discover what's truest and most meaningful to each of them.
This book was a plot twisting, emotional rollar coaster of a ride. Aside from it's Japanese folkloric influence, the fantasy seems to almost fade away as each character and creature is so vividly brought to life through the words. As the story grows you find yourself more and more encapsulated in this world so distant from your own. Yet the story, and the happenings within it, seem to leap from the pages with full visual view. This book was so beautifully written, so determiningly attached to detail, that it created such an amazing movie-like read. I could clearly see every scene. I could visualize the awe-inspiring beauty of Akane, the shape-shifting fox demon. And I could see Nikolai the scientist, and Thomas the blind priest, and the demons that are summoned with the book they found. Many books leave you hanging on description. They leave it up to the imagination. But The Devil's Fox was so beautifully scripted that it provoked my imagination even further by giving me every last detail I needed to fall completely into the story.
The storyline moved so smoothly from page to page. It kept my attention and had me staying up well beyond my bedtime just to reach the end. It was a long and beautiful read and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of an unconventional romance, suspense, and plot-twisting thriller that will have you falling in love with the characters and your heart wrenching.
When Nikolai and his partner Thomas discover an ancient book with dark magical properties, they each react in different ways. Nikolai, the logical scientist, vows never to touch the book again after experiencing the wrath of the demons within, first hand. Thomas, on the other hand, is intrigued. A blind priest who's heart outweighs his logic continues to use the book and summons a Kitsune named Akane. Akane is a fox demon, absent of a soul, who's only source of spirit is a pearl kept benieth her tongue. But Akane yearns for a soul of her own, and with her powerful demonic influence, and ability to bring forth different fortunes, she realizes many people will exchange their souls to her with the intent of finding some kind of riches or fame in return. Thomas's determined to complete his masterpiece and summons Akane. Little do either of them know, both of their lives and everything they hold dear is at risk. And each of them must face their own inner demons and battles as they discover what's truest and most meaningful to each of them.
This book was a plot twisting, emotional rollar coaster of a ride. Aside from it's Japanese folkloric influence, the fantasy seems to almost fade away as each character and creature is so vividly brought to life through the words. As the story grows you find yourself more and more encapsulated in this world so distant from your own. Yet the story, and the happenings within it, seem to leap from the pages with full visual view. This book was so beautifully written, so determiningly attached to detail, that it created such an amazing movie-like read. I could clearly see every scene. I could visualize the awe-inspiring beauty of Akane, the shape-shifting fox demon. And I could see Nikolai the scientist, and Thomas the blind priest, and the demons that are summoned with the book they found. Many books leave you hanging on description. They leave it up to the imagination. But The Devil's Fox was so beautifully scripted that it provoked my imagination even further by giving me every last detail I needed to fall completely into the story.
The storyline moved so smoothly from page to page. It kept my attention and had me staying up well beyond my bedtime just to reach the end. It was a long and beautiful read and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of an unconventional romance, suspense, and plot-twisting thriller that will have you falling in love with the characters and your heart wrenching.
April 29, 2015
Ten pages into this extraordinary novel, I had to stop and research the author. I couldn’t believe this was the work of a first time novelist...but it appears my keen sense of ‘judging an author’s writing age by his work’ was badly misguided. Mr. Pollino is a freelance writer, which made me feel a bit better, however, this is his first full-length novel. Personally, I love to stumble upon a book like this, penned by someone without a big name, and have it blow me out of the water. This was absolutely the case here.
The story captured my imagination from the very start and kept me enthralled for days, as I found moments, of all too rare time, to consume it. Quite frankly, I’ve never read anything like it. The tale effortlessly mixes the old with the new, blending characters from different eras together seamlessly, even as the author bounces back and forth from present day to past junctures in time. In this, I have learned something and Pollino has inspired me with his skill.
To the story: it is a blend of fictional genre’s I often read, but never in the same volume. I was surprised throughout the text at how well he weaved fantasy and reality. I soon found myself believing in Kitsunes and wondering if I might encounter a dog-devil any time soon. Akane, an ancient, shape shifter, seeks a soul of her own. Her tale is beautifully intertwined throughout the book, in a captivating way. The imagery was impeccable; leading me to believe the writer has spent time in the orient. If not, he has certainly done his homework.
I appreciated the depth of character he draws from his players. The humans were beautifully flawed and so real that I saw myself somehow joined at the hip with the scientist, Nikolai, and his blind friend, Thomas, who happens to be a priest. I thought the pairing was odd but fitting to the narrative. On that point, the dialogue was delivered so matter-of-factly I could nearly hear what was being said – in my estimation the mark of true talent.
To delve deeply into the heart of the plot, in this review, would be to deny the reader the thrill of discovery and satisfaction, obtained one page at a time. As the author himself has said, “it is a spellbinding story that will wrench your soul and touch your heart. A literary tapestry entwined with vivid characters, a riveting plot and luxurious voice.” To this I will add my own voice and say, “Amen”.
I will be recommending this book to my family and friends...and to you. Beautifully written, edited, and imagined – it is a book for the ages and one I will read again.
The story captured my imagination from the very start and kept me enthralled for days, as I found moments, of all too rare time, to consume it. Quite frankly, I’ve never read anything like it. The tale effortlessly mixes the old with the new, blending characters from different eras together seamlessly, even as the author bounces back and forth from present day to past junctures in time. In this, I have learned something and Pollino has inspired me with his skill.
To the story: it is a blend of fictional genre’s I often read, but never in the same volume. I was surprised throughout the text at how well he weaved fantasy and reality. I soon found myself believing in Kitsunes and wondering if I might encounter a dog-devil any time soon. Akane, an ancient, shape shifter, seeks a soul of her own. Her tale is beautifully intertwined throughout the book, in a captivating way. The imagery was impeccable; leading me to believe the writer has spent time in the orient. If not, he has certainly done his homework.
I appreciated the depth of character he draws from his players. The humans were beautifully flawed and so real that I saw myself somehow joined at the hip with the scientist, Nikolai, and his blind friend, Thomas, who happens to be a priest. I thought the pairing was odd but fitting to the narrative. On that point, the dialogue was delivered so matter-of-factly I could nearly hear what was being said – in my estimation the mark of true talent.
To delve deeply into the heart of the plot, in this review, would be to deny the reader the thrill of discovery and satisfaction, obtained one page at a time. As the author himself has said, “it is a spellbinding story that will wrench your soul and touch your heart. A literary tapestry entwined with vivid characters, a riveting plot and luxurious voice.” To this I will add my own voice and say, “Amen”.
I will be recommending this book to my family and friends...and to you. Beautifully written, edited, and imagined – it is a book for the ages and one I will read again.
May 20, 2015
Well, the back cover certainly promises a LOT. But, I'm glad to say that the book delivered what it promised. I absolutely love how the author kind of took inspiration from Japanese folklore in the creation of Akane, the kitsune. I have to admit that I wasn't sure how the story was going to go at the very beginning, but it was great to see how everything unfolded, and the air of mystery added to the intrigue and thrill of the novel. I also love how bits of the book were actually written in Akane's perspective while she is a fox. It definitely added a lot more depth, background, and of course understanding to the story, and I appreciated the fact that the author took the time to allow us to have a look at that!
I found this book to be a very easy read. It catches your attention easily with the mystical aspect of things, and because the author does not give everything away right at the beginning, the story keeps you guessing. I also found the cast of characters to be very unique and interesting. The contrast between the kitsune and inugami was definitely done very well too; it is things like this--the character foil, for example--that added some truly fantastic literary aspects to this book that will make this appeal to a wider range of audiences. To me, the author has a really good grasp of writing and literature, and that was how he is able to produce a tale that will grip you until the end. Truly fantastic novel that deserves an even wider audience!
I found this book to be a very easy read. It catches your attention easily with the mystical aspect of things, and because the author does not give everything away right at the beginning, the story keeps you guessing. I also found the cast of characters to be very unique and interesting. The contrast between the kitsune and inugami was definitely done very well too; it is things like this--the character foil, for example--that added some truly fantastic literary aspects to this book that will make this appeal to a wider range of audiences. To me, the author has a really good grasp of writing and literature, and that was how he is able to produce a tale that will grip you until the end. Truly fantastic novel that deserves an even wider audience!
May 12, 2015
George Pollion's "The Devil's Fox" is a novel that beautifully blends romance, mythology, and suspense into a riveting story. I was intrigued from the start, with Akane, a fox demon, waking up in a public restroom. I could see Pollino's knack for descriptive, affective writing, particularly narration.
Additionally, I was impressed with the imaginative nature of the story. This is not your run-of-the-mill suspense/thriller. For instance, the main characters are a fox demon, a scientist, and a blind priest. When Thomas, the priest, summons Akane, the fox demon, she finds herself embedded in a life or death battle that seems impossible to win. Pollino does an excellent job weaving a story with many threads that is unpredictable and gripping. Although I think all the characters are well-written, the soulless Akane is my favorite, with her complex desires and unique relation to the other characters. The novel's chapters switch between different time periods and settings (Japan, Italy, etc) giving the reader insight into the story from multiple angles. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mythology (particularly Asian mythology) and suspense.
Additionally, I was impressed with the imaginative nature of the story. This is not your run-of-the-mill suspense/thriller. For instance, the main characters are a fox demon, a scientist, and a blind priest. When Thomas, the priest, summons Akane, the fox demon, she finds herself embedded in a life or death battle that seems impossible to win. Pollino does an excellent job weaving a story with many threads that is unpredictable and gripping. Although I think all the characters are well-written, the soulless Akane is my favorite, with her complex desires and unique relation to the other characters. The novel's chapters switch between different time periods and settings (Japan, Italy, etc) giving the reader insight into the story from multiple angles. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mythology (particularly Asian mythology) and suspense.
May 9, 2015
Interesting concept that got me to request this book which was a gift from the author in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed the first half dozen chapters which alternated back and forth between past and present and gave a wonderfully descriptive life to the main character. George Pollino is a wizard with words. The best feature of this book is that it's so well written. The letdown was that several times I thought I' d reached the end , only to find it went on, and yet the lack of action almost made me give up on it.
The storyline is a folktale of a creature , Akane, a demon fox who has no soul and upon learning of their existence, sets out to experience one. This she does by bargaining for them in exchange for the persons greatest wish.
I hope I don't put anyone off reading this book by my need for a faster pace and more action because ultimately I was really glad I went back and finished it. Sorry it took so long.
The storyline is a folktale of a creature , Akane, a demon fox who has no soul and upon learning of their existence, sets out to experience one. This she does by bargaining for them in exchange for the persons greatest wish.
I hope I don't put anyone off reading this book by my need for a faster pace and more action because ultimately I was really glad I went back and finished it. Sorry it took so long.
May 15, 2015
This was a very enjoyable book. The Japanese mythology was perfectly woven into a creative and unique story. We learn about Akane and her kind little by little as the story unfolds and what fabulous lore it is. I felt like the author was a master at creating suspense. I'm pretty good at guessing what might happen in a fictional story but the author not only kept me guessing, he surprised me a few times.
The characters in this book are so well-developed and rich. I really enjoyed the backstory of Thomas and Nikolai and also the story of how Akane and Abandon came to be the characters they were. Good fiction.
This novel puts you though a whole gamut of emotions that run from heartbreaking to happy and beyond. This is good storytelling and I'd have no trouble recommending this book.
The characters in this book are so well-developed and rich. I really enjoyed the backstory of Thomas and Nikolai and also the story of how Akane and Abandon came to be the characters they were. Good fiction.
This novel puts you though a whole gamut of emotions that run from heartbreaking to happy and beyond. This is good storytelling and I'd have no trouble recommending this book.
April 19, 2015
Can't put it down
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. I LOVED it. The little fox is such a sweet character and the puppy is such a loathsome character. I love puppies but can make an exception for this one. This is a moral kind of story about right and wrong and good and evil and a bit of magic. Very clever and fun twist on the idea. Don't misunderstand, it is not all puppies and foxes. There are gypsies and demons and bishops and farmers and fisherman and kind hearted cooks. Kind of sounds strange that way. Just read it: it is great!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. I LOVED it. The little fox is such a sweet character and the puppy is such a loathsome character. I love puppies but can make an exception for this one. This is a moral kind of story about right and wrong and good and evil and a bit of magic. Very clever and fun twist on the idea. Don't misunderstand, it is not all puppies and foxes. There are gypsies and demons and bishops and farmers and fisherman and kind hearted cooks. Kind of sounds strange that way. Just read it: it is great!
March 1, 2015
fantastic
I have received a free copy of this book with the understanding that I will give it a review. It was a little hard to get into it first but the more you read the more addictive it becomes I really enjoyed it I love the characters even the bad ones everybody had special characteristics no one was the same very enjoyable read. looking forward to more thank you
I have received a free copy of this book with the understanding that I will give it a review. It was a little hard to get into it first but the more you read the more addictive it becomes I really enjoyed it I love the characters even the bad ones everybody had special characteristics no one was the same very enjoyable read. looking forward to more thank you
June 2, 2015
Really good, very cute and complete feeling. Had a little bit of nature vs. nurture theme in the center but ultimately this was a fun book to read. I was excited to read it since Kitsune aren't a popular urban fantasy creature so this was a nice break from all the fae/vampires/wereanimals.
May 14, 2015
Unfortunately I found this book to be slow. The plot jumped around and I found the author to be over descriptive with the context, especially with a science point of view.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews