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Daydreams and Devils
'Daydreams and Devils' is a tale of friendship and viciousness, blending crime, coming of age and dark humour.
Vincent, with his sadistic right hand man Frankie, seeks to expand his interests with his own brand of gangland psycho terrorism.
James, a young music obsessive, leaves school determined to do life his way, dreaming of glory in a gang with guitars.
But as two worlds collide will dreams become nightmares?
Vincent, with his sadistic right hand man Frankie, seeks to expand his interests with his own brand of gangland psycho terrorism.
James, a young music obsessive, leaves school determined to do life his way, dreaming of glory in a gang with guitars.
But as two worlds collide will dreams become nightmares?
234 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2015
3 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Robert Cowan
8 books43 followersI live in a small town in Scotland, with my wife Carol, Son Keith, daughter Fern and cat, Finn.
After years of making music and song writing I decided to try my hand and writing a novel. The success of my first, ‘The Search for Ethan’, led to ‘Daydreams and Devils, ‘For all is Vanity, ‘Firm, and ‘The Dirt and the Stars.
I saw a show on TV on the glory days of vinyl. In it there was a quote along the lines of "walking down the street with an album sleeve under your arm was a statement, it said everything about you." Taking that for a walk, here are my top ten "statements", starting with books.
Books
Fear and loathing in Las Vegas - Hunter S Thompson
Desolation angels - Jack Kerouac
Ask the Dust - John Fante
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Trainspotting - Irvin Welsh
Reqiem for a dream - Hubert Selby Jr
Glue - Irvine Welsh
Junky - William Burroughs
Factotum - Charles Bukowski
Albums
Exile on Main Street - The Rolling Stones
Live 1969 Live - Velvet Underground
Berlin - Lou Reed
Revolver - The Beatles
London Calling - The Clash
Never Mind The Bollocks - The Sex Pistols
Sweetheart of the Rodeo - The Byrds
Quadrophenia - The Who
LA Woman - The Doors
Pet Sounds - The Beach boys
Films
The Searchers
The Godfather
Performance
Ghandi
Apocalypse Now
East of Eden
Pulp Fiction
Enter The Dragon
Withnail and I
Goodfellas
After years of making music and song writing I decided to try my hand and writing a novel. The success of my first, ‘The Search for Ethan’, led to ‘Daydreams and Devils, ‘For all is Vanity, ‘Firm, and ‘The Dirt and the Stars.
I saw a show on TV on the glory days of vinyl. In it there was a quote along the lines of "walking down the street with an album sleeve under your arm was a statement, it said everything about you." Taking that for a walk, here are my top ten "statements", starting with books.
Books
Fear and loathing in Las Vegas - Hunter S Thompson
Desolation angels - Jack Kerouac
Ask the Dust - John Fante
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
Trainspotting - Irvin Welsh
Reqiem for a dream - Hubert Selby Jr
Glue - Irvine Welsh
Junky - William Burroughs
Factotum - Charles Bukowski
Albums
Exile on Main Street - The Rolling Stones
Live 1969 Live - Velvet Underground
Berlin - Lou Reed
Revolver - The Beatles
London Calling - The Clash
Never Mind The Bollocks - The Sex Pistols
Sweetheart of the Rodeo - The Byrds
Quadrophenia - The Who
LA Woman - The Doors
Pet Sounds - The Beach boys
Films
The Searchers
The Godfather
Performance
Ghandi
Apocalypse Now
East of Eden
Pulp Fiction
Enter The Dragon
Withnail and I
Goodfellas
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 15, 2015
I recently read and loved an American gangster story and having read and equally loved this very English gangster story, I was wondering what it was that made them both so good despite being so different. In summary, I think it is the quality of the writing and the very authentic descriptions of characters and settings.
The nasty characters in this book are really vile and their idea of a fun time is playing Swingball with a human body and two baseball bats, which means this book is strictly for adult readers.
This is a real page turner with an interesting plot and the characters develop throughout the story. The action propels the book along but I was invested in what happens to the interesting mix of characters.
A excellent gangster/crime story. Highly recommended!
The nasty characters in this book are really vile and their idea of a fun time is playing Swingball with a human body and two baseball bats, which means this book is strictly for adult readers.
This is a real page turner with an interesting plot and the characters develop throughout the story. The action propels the book along but I was invested in what happens to the interesting mix of characters.
A excellent gangster/crime story. Highly recommended!
September 24, 2015
Daydreams and Devils
This is the first book I have read by Robert Cowen and was more than pleasantly surprised. With the reading fayre offered up.
The book is essentially two stories for the most part until the two tales eventually and inevitably collide.
First we meet Vincent as a young boy and learn of his desire to be only feared and respected at any cost and who we quickly learn climbs the ladder in the underworld to be a man not to be crossed as he ascends in the realms of gangsterdom by virtue of being wholly and completely merciless and psychopathic (and also via his collective of merciless and trusted associates, none more so than Frankie, whose escapades with a potato peeler are one of the books high points for me).
The second story revolves around a Smiths obsessed singer and his efforts to form a band and break into the music business.
As the two lead characters efforts to push themselves further progress through the book with increasingly funny, and violent adventures the two stories come together via one of James band members and one of Vincent prominent associates (Johnny) being related, when Johnny spots the potential of the band and decides to manage the band. Cue vengeance violence and mayhem.
Once it gets going the book flies by at a great pace and genuinely had me yearning to find time to get back to it. My only slight criticism and the reason I didn’t go for 5 stars (and I was sorely tempted) was that I didn’t initially take to either Vincent or James at the outset. I felt I would have liked to have known a bit more about Vincent’s background that made him so cold blooded and I just didn’t like James at all at first, I thought his Smiths worshiping (to the point he changed his name to Morrissey) was unnecessary and not really believable as the basis to form a (non-tribute) band and that maybe the author was just showing his own love of The Smiths and was paying his tribute. via James’s character. I could be totally wrong but it’s just how the book came across to me at the outset. As I said once it got going the story took off at a great pace and had me fully hooked about one third of the way through it.
I’d highly recommend this and look forward to reading more by Robert Cowan
This is the first book I have read by Robert Cowen and was more than pleasantly surprised. With the reading fayre offered up.
The book is essentially two stories for the most part until the two tales eventually and inevitably collide.
First we meet Vincent as a young boy and learn of his desire to be only feared and respected at any cost and who we quickly learn climbs the ladder in the underworld to be a man not to be crossed as he ascends in the realms of gangsterdom by virtue of being wholly and completely merciless and psychopathic (and also via his collective of merciless and trusted associates, none more so than Frankie, whose escapades with a potato peeler are one of the books high points for me).
The second story revolves around a Smiths obsessed singer and his efforts to form a band and break into the music business.
As the two lead characters efforts to push themselves further progress through the book with increasingly funny, and violent adventures the two stories come together via one of James band members and one of Vincent prominent associates (Johnny) being related, when Johnny spots the potential of the band and decides to manage the band. Cue vengeance violence and mayhem.
Once it gets going the book flies by at a great pace and genuinely had me yearning to find time to get back to it. My only slight criticism and the reason I didn’t go for 5 stars (and I was sorely tempted) was that I didn’t initially take to either Vincent or James at the outset. I felt I would have liked to have known a bit more about Vincent’s background that made him so cold blooded and I just didn’t like James at all at first, I thought his Smiths worshiping (to the point he changed his name to Morrissey) was unnecessary and not really believable as the basis to form a (non-tribute) band and that maybe the author was just showing his own love of The Smiths and was paying his tribute. via James’s character. I could be totally wrong but it’s just how the book came across to me at the outset. As I said once it got going the story took off at a great pace and had me fully hooked about one third of the way through it.
I’d highly recommend this and look forward to reading more by Robert Cowan
November 15, 2017
Another gem from Mr Cowan.
Then comes the problem - How the hell am I supposed to write a review that will do it justice?
I have literally sat thinking about this one for weeks, trying to figure out what to say. It is always difficult to find the words for greatness. And I don't want to spoil any part of the intriguing plot, I don't want to give you the entire story, because I want you to read it yourself. You can thank me later.
So here it goes-
I am very glad I was able to pick this one up, I genuinely enjoy the author's ability to weave an interesting plot filled with memorable characters, and use his skill to place me right next to them as the story unfolds around us. The story will pull you in from the beginning, and keep you turning the pages as you are introduced to a memorable cast of characters, all of them play a very important role in this one. Great readability, nothing superfluous, a story to remind you why you love to read. Sure, there is some violence to go along with coming-of-age tale, but everything is also laced with the brilliant dark humor I always enjoy in his writing, and of course, the heart. Something to remind you of our humanity in the darkest times. The characterization is vivid and thorough without being too heavy, an original idea perfectly placed in a violent world and packed with dark humor and wit that will make you love the characters he uses to tell you this story. Oh, and the ending? Wow. Easily cemented this as one of my favorite reads for the year. Pick this one up and let him entertain you. Let the story stay with you, because this is a damn good one.
Then comes the problem - How the hell am I supposed to write a review that will do it justice?
I have literally sat thinking about this one for weeks, trying to figure out what to say. It is always difficult to find the words for greatness. And I don't want to spoil any part of the intriguing plot, I don't want to give you the entire story, because I want you to read it yourself. You can thank me later.
So here it goes-
I am very glad I was able to pick this one up, I genuinely enjoy the author's ability to weave an interesting plot filled with memorable characters, and use his skill to place me right next to them as the story unfolds around us. The story will pull you in from the beginning, and keep you turning the pages as you are introduced to a memorable cast of characters, all of them play a very important role in this one. Great readability, nothing superfluous, a story to remind you why you love to read. Sure, there is some violence to go along with coming-of-age tale, but everything is also laced with the brilliant dark humor I always enjoy in his writing, and of course, the heart. Something to remind you of our humanity in the darkest times. The characterization is vivid and thorough without being too heavy, an original idea perfectly placed in a violent world and packed with dark humor and wit that will make you love the characters he uses to tell you this story. Oh, and the ending? Wow. Easily cemented this as one of my favorite reads for the year. Pick this one up and let him entertain you. Let the story stay with you, because this is a damn good one.
September 14, 2015
Robert Cowan has improved upon his excellent first novel, The Search for Ethan. He's brought something I've always hoped to convey in my own fiction - believable characters. Like his first novel this is also a coming of age novel. The story of a young band just finding their feet and trying to have fun, despite all of the fear and anxiety that performing brings.
In a separate plot strand a would be gangster is also finding his feet but for him the consequences of failure are a very real thing to be feared. His boss, Vincent, is not a patient man.
Cowan brings the plot strands together slowly, but thoroughly. There's a playfulness here that wasn't present in the first novel. The dialogue is interesting and at times very cleverly conveyed. Cowan plays about with the word structure often in a comical and entertaining way and it adds a sense of fun to the book.
There are lots of musical references and it's clear this is a particular passion of the author. In short it was a great read. The author has paid attention to the little details to bring a polished and engrossing read. A fantastic novel that can be enjoyed by all, no hesitation in rating this five stars.
In a separate plot strand a would be gangster is also finding his feet but for him the consequences of failure are a very real thing to be feared. His boss, Vincent, is not a patient man.
Cowan brings the plot strands together slowly, but thoroughly. There's a playfulness here that wasn't present in the first novel. The dialogue is interesting and at times very cleverly conveyed. Cowan plays about with the word structure often in a comical and entertaining way and it adds a sense of fun to the book.
There are lots of musical references and it's clear this is a particular passion of the author. In short it was a great read. The author has paid attention to the little details to bring a polished and engrossing read. A fantastic novel that can be enjoyed by all, no hesitation in rating this five stars.
September 16, 2015
Thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.
‘Daydreams and Devils’ is effectively two books in one. It’s the story of a fledgling band taking its first steps on the rocky road to what its four members hope will bring fame and fortune, and it’s also the story of a young man taking his own first steps in the employment of local (and extremely nasty) gangster, Vincent.
Although these two main threads are seemingly unrelated at the beginning, the author skilfully alternates between them and gradually weaves them together to culminate in an edge-of-the-seat climax. Along the way, there’s plenty of action, authentically snappy dialogue, some great imagery, utterly believable, well-rounded characters and a generous helping of humour.
Robert Cowan clearly knows his stuff when it comes to being in a band and all the emotional turmoil that goes with it, but the gangster element of the book rings equally true to life. I only hope he doesn’t have first-hand experience of that too!
A highly recommended read, and I’ll certainly be looking out for future books by this author.
‘Daydreams and Devils’ is effectively two books in one. It’s the story of a fledgling band taking its first steps on the rocky road to what its four members hope will bring fame and fortune, and it’s also the story of a young man taking his own first steps in the employment of local (and extremely nasty) gangster, Vincent.
Although these two main threads are seemingly unrelated at the beginning, the author skilfully alternates between them and gradually weaves them together to culminate in an edge-of-the-seat climax. Along the way, there’s plenty of action, authentically snappy dialogue, some great imagery, utterly believable, well-rounded characters and a generous helping of humour.
Robert Cowan clearly knows his stuff when it comes to being in a band and all the emotional turmoil that goes with it, but the gangster element of the book rings equally true to life. I only hope he doesn’t have first-hand experience of that too!
A highly recommended read, and I’ll certainly be looking out for future books by this author.
August 8, 2015
With his second offering, Robert Cowan has avoided any treading of water and built on the best of his debut, The Search for Ethan, developing his skillset substantially. With shifting narrative, complex and engaging characters, and an entertaining plot peppered with occasionally acerbic humour, Cowan’s sophomore offering shows none of the signs of that difficult second album. Instead Cowan’s lovely writing simply entertains and immerses the reader into a very real-feeling setting and into the lives of his very relatable characters.
In Daydreams and Devils, we see a more confident Cowan, gaining his stride and stretching his literary legs, culminating in a novel that significantly betters his first novel, which itself was a very good book. Cowan deserves a larger readership and with offerings such as this book, he’s well on his way to producing an excellent body of work for new readers to discover and binge on.
In Daydreams and Devils, we see a more confident Cowan, gaining his stride and stretching his literary legs, culminating in a novel that significantly betters his first novel, which itself was a very good book. Cowan deserves a larger readership and with offerings such as this book, he’s well on his way to producing an excellent body of work for new readers to discover and binge on.
September 24, 2015
I recommend this book to people who like their stories brutally realistic without the airy-fairy bits.
What could connect a publican bitter he'd lost his dream of becoming a professional football player, a boy who dreams of being a rock star and a particularly nasty bully/gangster? I certainly enjoyed finding out.
The writing was fast paced and the dialogue gritty and realistic. This story could have taken place in the outskirts of any major British city. The observations are sharp and bring the story to life. Dark humour prevents the story becoming too depressing. There is violence in the book but it is integral to the story and the characters who enjoy inflicting pain. Beneath the violence and language there is isolation, fear, loyalty, friendship and the desire to belong. I especially liked the references to various music bands.
An intriguing sharp read.
What could connect a publican bitter he'd lost his dream of becoming a professional football player, a boy who dreams of being a rock star and a particularly nasty bully/gangster? I certainly enjoyed finding out.
The writing was fast paced and the dialogue gritty and realistic. This story could have taken place in the outskirts of any major British city. The observations are sharp and bring the story to life. Dark humour prevents the story becoming too depressing. There is violence in the book but it is integral to the story and the characters who enjoy inflicting pain. Beneath the violence and language there is isolation, fear, loyalty, friendship and the desire to belong. I especially liked the references to various music bands.
An intriguing sharp read.
July 17, 2015
Having read and loved 'The Search for Ethan' I was really looking forward to this new release and wasn't disappointed. As with Ethan, and as the blurb indicates, it a hard book to categorise and that I think is part of the reason I like Cowan's books.
I don't want to give any spoilers. Its very well structured, with the two stories, one of gangsters and one of young lads putting a band together, intertwined beautifully, coming together for a great finale.
As with The Search for Ethan' Its a mix of light and dark, great characters and humour. If swearing offends then Cowan's books aren't for you. For me it's just who these people are.
Loved it.
I don't want to give any spoilers. Its very well structured, with the two stories, one of gangsters and one of young lads putting a band together, intertwined beautifully, coming together for a great finale.
As with The Search for Ethan' Its a mix of light and dark, great characters and humour. If swearing offends then Cowan's books aren't for you. For me it's just who these people are.
Loved it.
November 4, 2015
Vincent and Frankie. The gruesome twosome. Probably the most memorable pair of monsters I’ve ever come across in a book. They terrorise, torture, main and murder for sheer pleasure. To have created those characters and to have gone on to describe their horrific exploits in the grisliest detail, I think author Robert Cowan must be sick in the head.
But it gets worse. Cowan also narrates the parallel story of a newly formed band, whose lead singer and driving force not only wants the band to emulate The Smiths, but also insists on being called Morrissey. Now that really is sick!
Seriously, though, go download this book and prepare to be entertained.
But it gets worse. Cowan also narrates the parallel story of a newly formed band, whose lead singer and driving force not only wants the band to emulate The Smiths, but also insists on being called Morrissey. Now that really is sick!
Seriously, though, go download this book and prepare to be entertained.
August 31, 2015
As someone who was in a band I can totally relate to the conflict and humour that comes with that. With the gangster half of the tale, the humour is definitely of the black variety, with some wince inducing moments of violence. The dual threads are very well structured, never confusing, as the story flips from one to the other with the odd flashback thrown in. Overall a very entertaining read which comes together to a superb finale. Loved it.
August 31, 2015
A rollicking tale with a bit of everything.
February 28, 2017
I have officially read all of Cowan's books, and this one is probably my favorite to date. Things you can consistently expect from a Robert Cowan novel: first, fleshed out and likable characters. James and Johnny are just that, protagonists that share the spotlight; by contrast, Vincent and Frankie are antagonists you love to hate. Second, an engaging and multi-layered story-line. There is humor that made me smile, heartwarming excerpts that made me smile bigger; tension and even dread when the aforementioned antagonists were at play. Third, a climactic prequel to an ending that ties it all together. With these ingredients, you can't go wrong with a Cowan tale. I'm a big fan and looking forward to whatever is next, which could be right around the corner. Eh, Rob?
October 10, 2019
Melodic Balance.
For me this book was balanced skillfully. The prose is unexpectedly delicate, eloquent in places and drew me in with good descriptive passages setting scene for the story to unfold. The story itself is original and darkly funny. I enjoy books in this genre because they are for me tongue in cheek, this one is no exception. I like the way even though the writer tries to shock he does it with a weight of intellect and sense of humour. For me it was fun to read and fast paced with a few twists and turns. I would like to read his other work to get more of an idea of his style. Definately he has something as a writer!
For me this book was balanced skillfully. The prose is unexpectedly delicate, eloquent in places and drew me in with good descriptive passages setting scene for the story to unfold. The story itself is original and darkly funny. I enjoy books in this genre because they are for me tongue in cheek, this one is no exception. I like the way even though the writer tries to shock he does it with a weight of intellect and sense of humour. For me it was fun to read and fast paced with a few twists and turns. I would like to read his other work to get more of an idea of his style. Definately he has something as a writer!
October 16, 2015
Quite shocking and explicit at times it took me a while to get my heard round the concept of the book. However,what struck me most about it in a good way from the start was the freshness of the writing. It flows really well and within the context the swearing and dark parts of the writing also fit and have their place. There is an authentic feel about these characters and their story.
Had a friend not recommended this I might have never tried it but I am surely glad that I did. Having grown up with The Smiths and Morrissey there were many great passages in the book besides the dark elements and music talk.
This may not be everyone's cup of tea but I strongly urge you to give this a try. It is well worth your time, especially when everything comes together towards the end. Rather inspired.
Had a friend not recommended this I might have never tried it but I am surely glad that I did. Having grown up with The Smiths and Morrissey there were many great passages in the book besides the dark elements and music talk.
This may not be everyone's cup of tea but I strongly urge you to give this a try. It is well worth your time, especially when everything comes together towards the end. Rather inspired.
May 12, 2016
TOP PICK!
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy gangsters and crime thrillers, as well as dark humor. It does, however, have a lot more to offer than that. There are unique and believable characters, and two intriguing story lines which keep you hooked and guessing as to when they are going to tangle. Anyone who enjoys coming-of-age style stories would also enjoy this book, not to mention anyone who thinks of themselves as a music fan. Also for fans of very British books/films. It is described as Goodfellas meets The Commitments, but felt more like Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels meets The Commitments.
...read the complete review at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)org!
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy gangsters and crime thrillers, as well as dark humor. It does, however, have a lot more to offer than that. There are unique and believable characters, and two intriguing story lines which keep you hooked and guessing as to when they are going to tangle. Anyone who enjoys coming-of-age style stories would also enjoy this book, not to mention anyone who thinks of themselves as a music fan. Also for fans of very British books/films. It is described as Goodfellas meets The Commitments, but felt more like Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels meets The Commitments.
...read the complete review at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)org!
June 20, 2016
Vincent is a smart but sadistic gangster and James is a Morrissey obsessed youth. Their paths cross when James forms a band.
Robert Cowan’s Daydreams and Devils is a fantastic combination of gangster fiction and coming – of – age story. Fast paced, brutal, touching and very funny. I loved it.
Robert Cowan’s Daydreams and Devils is a fantastic combination of gangster fiction and coming – of – age story. Fast paced, brutal, touching and very funny. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews