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Entertaining Demons
Entertaining Demons by Daniel I. Russell is at times vicious and at others all too real in the realities of being a teenage girl.
Starring in the reality TV show PI: Paranormal Investigations should be a dream come true, but for Molly it’s a nightmare. Between constant filming, unexplained occurrences waking her at all hours, and the scrutiny of her friends and neighbors, she is frustrated and exhausted. Unfortunately, the contract her grandpa signed says she can’t quit and she does need the money. Besides, the show’s host, Samuel, is the only one who wants to help stop the hauntings. Molly decides to ride out the experience, thinking that footsteps and rattling doorknobs in the middle of the night aren’t so bad.
Molly’s wrong.
Demons are making their way to Molly’s quiet English town, intent on shutting down the show. As the darkness converges, Molly is caught in a struggle among demons while desperately fighting to keep her family safe.
Will she survive the night? Find out in Entertaining Demons!
Starring in the reality TV show PI: Paranormal Investigations should be a dream come true, but for Molly it’s a nightmare. Between constant filming, unexplained occurrences waking her at all hours, and the scrutiny of her friends and neighbors, she is frustrated and exhausted. Unfortunately, the contract her grandpa signed says she can’t quit and she does need the money. Besides, the show’s host, Samuel, is the only one who wants to help stop the hauntings. Molly decides to ride out the experience, thinking that footsteps and rattling doorknobs in the middle of the night aren’t so bad.
Molly’s wrong.
Demons are making their way to Molly’s quiet English town, intent on shutting down the show. As the darkness converges, Molly is caught in a struggle among demons while desperately fighting to keep her family safe.
Will she survive the night? Find out in Entertaining Demons!
- GenresHorror
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2017
3 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Daniel I. Russell
53 books151 followersAustralian Shadows Award finalist D.l I. Russell has been featured publications such as The Zombie Feed from Apex, Pseudopod and Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine #43. Author of Samhane, Come Into Darkness, Critique, Mother's Boys, The Collector and Tricks, Mischief and Mayhem, D. I. Russell is also the former vice-president of the Australian Horror Writers' Association and was a special guest editor of Midnight Echo.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 12, 2018
2.5 Stars
I liked the premise of this story more than the actual execution. The characters and story felt underdeveloped, yet there were still some wonderfully dark and creepy scenes. This story will appeal most to readers who love supernatural horror with some rather disturbing moments.
I requested a digital copy from the publisher Apex Books.
I liked the premise of this story more than the actual execution. The characters and story felt underdeveloped, yet there were still some wonderfully dark and creepy scenes. This story will appeal most to readers who love supernatural horror with some rather disturbing moments.
I requested a digital copy from the publisher Apex Books.
June 7, 2017
Daniel I Russell’s latest novel, Entertaining Demons is a perfect blend of brutal horror and delicious satire.
At first glance it appears to be a novel aimed at teens, with the central character, a girl named Molly, the star of a paranormal television show, but in actual fact it’s far from it.
Instead we’re given a glimpse into demonology, but also the evil that is society’s addiction to entertainment. Molly is reality TV sensation, with her very own film crew filming her every move, just hoping for some sort of paranormal experience.
Without giving too much of the plot away very dangerous paranormal activity starts happening and it soon becomes apparent that something demonic want Molly’s soul (nothing new here in other books similar to the genre), but things take a very “entertaining” turn when Russell introduces us to just a few of the demons whose sole job is to damn mankind.
Damnation is, in a word, big business and two particular demons don’t like the idea of a television show exposing their secrets to the world. When this pair step in things get very, very nasty and there’s bloodshed and torture aplenty, which is one of the things I love about Russell’s style. There are quite a few flashes of brilliant writing particularly whenever the demons unmask. You can’t help but feel a chill.
Having said that, the mystery Russell weaves around Molly, her mother and her grandfather is also treated with the same attention to detail. You’re constantly left wondering who she really is and why a demon would want her so badly. There’s clearly something wrong with her mother beyond mental illness and her grandfather seems to be constantly on edge.
Russell also takes the concept of television having a hold over society and being “the root of all evil” literally with great results, but in the end it is Molly’s story of survival in the midst of diabolical odds that really won me over and the ending is definitely one I never saw coming.
All in all, Entertaining Demons was a very enjoyable escape into darkness. You can pre-order it now through Amazon or via the publisher, Apex Publications.
Four stars.
At first glance it appears to be a novel aimed at teens, with the central character, a girl named Molly, the star of a paranormal television show, but in actual fact it’s far from it.
Instead we’re given a glimpse into demonology, but also the evil that is society’s addiction to entertainment. Molly is reality TV sensation, with her very own film crew filming her every move, just hoping for some sort of paranormal experience.
Without giving too much of the plot away very dangerous paranormal activity starts happening and it soon becomes apparent that something demonic want Molly’s soul (nothing new here in other books similar to the genre), but things take a very “entertaining” turn when Russell introduces us to just a few of the demons whose sole job is to damn mankind.
Damnation is, in a word, big business and two particular demons don’t like the idea of a television show exposing their secrets to the world. When this pair step in things get very, very nasty and there’s bloodshed and torture aplenty, which is one of the things I love about Russell’s style. There are quite a few flashes of brilliant writing particularly whenever the demons unmask. You can’t help but feel a chill.
Having said that, the mystery Russell weaves around Molly, her mother and her grandfather is also treated with the same attention to detail. You’re constantly left wondering who she really is and why a demon would want her so badly. There’s clearly something wrong with her mother beyond mental illness and her grandfather seems to be constantly on edge.
Russell also takes the concept of television having a hold over society and being “the root of all evil” literally with great results, but in the end it is Molly’s story of survival in the midst of diabolical odds that really won me over and the ending is definitely one I never saw coming.
All in all, Entertaining Demons was a very enjoyable escape into darkness. You can pre-order it now through Amazon or via the publisher, Apex Publications.
Four stars.
October 1, 2017
Fifteen year old Molly has problems most teens don’t. Her mother lives in a mental care facility, heavily sedated. The home she shares with her grandfather has been taken over by cameras and a crew, and her life is broadcast every week, on one of those reality shows about the supernatural. Why? The house is haunted. And the focus of the haunting is Molly.
She just wants to celebrate her 16th birthday with her friends, but they become alienated from her. People in town point and stare and whisper about her. And she can’t get enough sleep, because the haunt walks up and down the hall, rattling her door knob, and otherwise being a nuisance. Still.. It’s not so bad.
Then one night the door to her room bursts open. Things are flung off the shelves. And it starts touching her… in truly sickening ways. But they’ve already found that leaving the house doesn’t leave the haunt behind… and the contract with the TV company says she can’t quit anyway.
Molly’s grandfather seems oddly unconcerned about a lot of it, although he does blow up at times- usually at the film crew. The only one who seems truly on Molly’s side is Samuel, the huge parapsychologist who is the official investigator.
We’re not very far into the story before we are told that it’s not a ghost, but a demon, that’s after Molly. In fact, we are introduced to two more characters who are *also* demons. They have a big interest in the investigation.
The story is quite dark and gory. There is a lot of graphic torture. There is also a fair bit of satire. Not laugh out loud stuff, but a pretty pointed look at modern society. The tale is told pretty well, right up to the end and then it sort of falls apart a bit. I’d already figured out the cause of the haunting- the author drops a few clues, but not blatant ones- but I was not satisfied with the ending. Four stars, with a warning for over the top violence.
She just wants to celebrate her 16th birthday with her friends, but they become alienated from her. People in town point and stare and whisper about her. And she can’t get enough sleep, because the haunt walks up and down the hall, rattling her door knob, and otherwise being a nuisance. Still.. It’s not so bad.
Then one night the door to her room bursts open. Things are flung off the shelves. And it starts touching her… in truly sickening ways. But they’ve already found that leaving the house doesn’t leave the haunt behind… and the contract with the TV company says she can’t quit anyway.
Molly’s grandfather seems oddly unconcerned about a lot of it, although he does blow up at times- usually at the film crew. The only one who seems truly on Molly’s side is Samuel, the huge parapsychologist who is the official investigator.
We’re not very far into the story before we are told that it’s not a ghost, but a demon, that’s after Molly. In fact, we are introduced to two more characters who are *also* demons. They have a big interest in the investigation.
The story is quite dark and gory. There is a lot of graphic torture. There is also a fair bit of satire. Not laugh out loud stuff, but a pretty pointed look at modern society. The tale is told pretty well, right up to the end and then it sort of falls apart a bit. I’d already figured out the cause of the haunting- the author drops a few clues, but not blatant ones- but I was not satisfied with the ending. Four stars, with a warning for over the top violence.
September 25, 2019
Do you watch too much television? How often do you lazily take the easy option of bingeing another flick instead of doing something more productive, like taking a long healthy brisk walk, with your life? Most of us are probably guilty of overindulging with the remote control. However, after reading Daniel I. Russell’s Entertaining Demons, you might decide to become slightly more proactive with your time. Why? This novel has considerable fun playing around with the old saying “idle hands are the devil’s tools” and in the modern world if the lazy watch too much television, the devil is doing a jig in the background pulling your strings.
You can read Tony's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Tony's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
September 30, 2017
Intense
Best book on demon possession ever! Could not put down. Best visual ever, if you like Cenobites, you will love these sex demons.
Best book on demon possession ever! Could not put down. Best visual ever, if you like Cenobites, you will love these sex demons.
September 26, 2017
Interesting read, but not a book I would normally read. I received this from Library Thing to read and review. Not sure what I thought when I requested it, but this was not what I expected. Molly is a star of a paranormal reality show because she is being haunted—but what actually is going on is much worse than that. Molly wants to celebrate her 16th birthday with friends, but, as it approaches, her hauntings grow and, then, demons become part of her strange haunting story. Can Samuel, the host of the show she stars in, help her? Also, what is there about her parentage that makes us question how that has impacted on Molly? How about her grandfather?
The violence toward women and gore are definitely a big, important part of this book, so if you do not enjoy reading about these aspects or have definite opinions about them, this book may not be for you. There are several moments of true horror and mystery that pervade the book. Despite this, I found the book interesting to read, though, as I said, I am not really a fan of this genre, and this story was way beyond what I might have chosen myself to read. Still, I am not sorry I requested or read it, as I got a totally new perspective on an area I had not thought much about. The story is an interesting one, and one I will not soon forget. If you are into good horror, terror and a bit of solid mystery, this is a good book for you—or if you want to try something a bit different and/or are looking to branch out into new genres.
The violence toward women and gore are definitely a big, important part of this book, so if you do not enjoy reading about these aspects or have definite opinions about them, this book may not be for you. There are several moments of true horror and mystery that pervade the book. Despite this, I found the book interesting to read, though, as I said, I am not really a fan of this genre, and this story was way beyond what I might have chosen myself to read. Still, I am not sorry I requested or read it, as I got a totally new perspective on an area I had not thought much about. The story is an interesting one, and one I will not soon forget. If you are into good horror, terror and a bit of solid mystery, this is a good book for you—or if you want to try something a bit different and/or are looking to branch out into new genres.
April 4, 2018
Wow this was one helluva read! This is a tale about demons messing with man kind but with a twist. I've recently read Unclean Spirits by Chuck Wendig and this book is strangely similar.
Half of this story is about a young girl on the cusp of womanhood trying to figure out her life and who she is, the other half is crazy demons trying to possess her! Her house is so haunted a TV show PI:Paranormal Investigations has set up surveillance in her house and made her an international reality TV star. Sure her and her beloved grandpa are making loads of money but it's coming at the expense of her feeling alienated from her friends and the sort of life a teenage girl should be living.
It's revealed that the ghost is only after Molly, except it's not a relatively benign ghost going by the name of old Bill but an ancient immortal demon coming to claim Molly when she turns sixteen?
Can Samuel a paranormal expert who's presenting the show do enough to save her from the demon's evil clutches?
I have to admit that this tale isn't usually something I'd go for but I like to read a bit of everything and this was certainly a good read. This tale is really frightening in places and will make you think twice about shadows in your home. It's an interesting read that will make you question society and where we're heading.
There's some really gory moments in this book and Daniel I Russell does a really good job of creating baddies you'll come to loathe. These demons are despicable creatures, in some places throughout this book their deeds are so dark it makes for uncomfortable reading.
It's easy to feel for Molly she has no friends and has no control over her life other than being able to pay for her mother's healthcare the only reason why she agreed to be filmed. I really liked her character development she gets a bit kick ass in the end but will it be enough.
The ending was unexpected and really chilling!
Half of this story is about a young girl on the cusp of womanhood trying to figure out her life and who she is, the other half is crazy demons trying to possess her! Her house is so haunted a TV show PI:Paranormal Investigations has set up surveillance in her house and made her an international reality TV star. Sure her and her beloved grandpa are making loads of money but it's coming at the expense of her feeling alienated from her friends and the sort of life a teenage girl should be living.
It's revealed that the ghost is only after Molly, except it's not a relatively benign ghost going by the name of old Bill but an ancient immortal demon coming to claim Molly when she turns sixteen?
Can Samuel a paranormal expert who's presenting the show do enough to save her from the demon's evil clutches?
I have to admit that this tale isn't usually something I'd go for but I like to read a bit of everything and this was certainly a good read. This tale is really frightening in places and will make you think twice about shadows in your home. It's an interesting read that will make you question society and where we're heading.
There's some really gory moments in this book and Daniel I Russell does a really good job of creating baddies you'll come to loathe. These demons are despicable creatures, in some places throughout this book their deeds are so dark it makes for uncomfortable reading.
It's easy to feel for Molly she has no friends and has no control over her life other than being able to pay for her mother's healthcare the only reason why she agreed to be filmed. I really liked her character development she gets a bit kick ass in the end but will it be enough.
The ending was unexpected and really chilling!
August 16, 2017
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.
Thanks to the haunting surrounding Molly she is now the star of the reality show PI: Paranormal Investigations. She now has fame and money but all she wants to do is celebrate her 16th birthday with her friends. But as her birthday approaches the haunting escalates and demons arrive in her English hometown. Can the Samuel, the host of PI, help her? And what does her unknown father have to do with everything happening now?
Overall I enjoyed the plot of this book. I did not see the ending coming. However this book is full of gore and violence especially towards women. If you are not a fan of gore I would not suggest this book for you. However if that doesn't bother you I would suggest this book for anyone interested in the supernatural.
Thanks to the haunting surrounding Molly she is now the star of the reality show PI: Paranormal Investigations. She now has fame and money but all she wants to do is celebrate her 16th birthday with her friends. But as her birthday approaches the haunting escalates and demons arrive in her English hometown. Can the Samuel, the host of PI, help her? And what does her unknown father have to do with everything happening now?
Overall I enjoyed the plot of this book. I did not see the ending coming. However this book is full of gore and violence especially towards women. If you are not a fan of gore I would not suggest this book for you. However if that doesn't bother you I would suggest this book for anyone interested in the supernatural.
September 19, 2017
I was given this book complimentary from LibraryThing.com in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
The first chapter of this book had me thinking, damn, another ghost stories, but then it picked up the pace and got good. It stayed good right to the end when it suddenly fell apart.
To put this book into football terminology, the snap was a bit sloppy nu the plays moved the football down the field nicely with a few unexpected plays on the way but the final pass was dropped in the end zone and we had to settle for a field goal.
An enjoyable read with a new look at demons but not so new that traditionalists like myself are alienated.
Expect good things in the future from this author, B-.
The first chapter of this book had me thinking, damn, another ghost stories, but then it picked up the pace and got good. It stayed good right to the end when it suddenly fell apart.
To put this book into football terminology, the snap was a bit sloppy nu the plays moved the football down the field nicely with a few unexpected plays on the way but the final pass was dropped in the end zone and we had to settle for a field goal.
An enjoyable read with a new look at demons but not so new that traditionalists like myself are alienated.
Expect good things in the future from this author, B-.
July 19, 2017
Daniel I Russell’s new novel is a darkly entertaining story of teenage hauntings, sadistic demons and reality TV.
Part horror, part satire it follows the story of Molly, a teenage girl whose life is one of constant surveillance as the star of a real life haunting show. But the reality program, and escalating bumps in the night are just the beginning of a much darker threat that will draw her into a world of ancient evil and danger.
Russell writes with a flair of Richard Laymon, Jack Ketchum or Shaun Hutson, punctuating a well-crafted story with moments of stomach-turning horror and terror. A solid read that’s well worth checking out.
Part horror, part satire it follows the story of Molly, a teenage girl whose life is one of constant surveillance as the star of a real life haunting show. But the reality program, and escalating bumps in the night are just the beginning of a much darker threat that will draw her into a world of ancient evil and danger.
Russell writes with a flair of Richard Laymon, Jack Ketchum or Shaun Hutson, punctuating a well-crafted story with moments of stomach-turning horror and terror. A solid read that’s well worth checking out.
July 1, 2019
A thriller/horror novel that you can get the gist of in the first two chapters. Really interesting idea with the reality tv premise and demons.
Then, the second chapter attempts to ramp up the tension by inflicting horrible atrocities on women.
This trend continues and becomes cliche. Need conflict, there's a lady nearby, welp she's dead. Not very intresting to read.
As well the main characters are mainly one-note, not much depth to them.
End is neat, I wasn't expecting the "twist" and it is a pretty dark one.
Then, the second chapter attempts to ramp up the tension by inflicting horrible atrocities on women.
This trend continues and becomes cliche. Need conflict, there's a lady nearby, welp she's dead. Not very intresting to read.
As well the main characters are mainly one-note, not much depth to them.
End is neat, I wasn't expecting the "twist" and it is a pretty dark one.
October 2, 2017
Highly recommend to those who enjoy a true horror story that will leave you with a feeling of dread and unease. I enjoy reading Daniel I Russell's work as there is always gore and violence and he doesn't disappoint in Entertaining Demons. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to his next piece.
March 22, 2018
This was one frightening book. The story is very gory, violent and upsetting. I was not prepared for it.
These demons all have their own unique way of tormenting and killing people. And they look like any one of us.
I received a free copy of this book through LibraryThing in return for an honest review.
These demons all have their own unique way of tormenting and killing people. And they look like any one of us.
I received a free copy of this book through LibraryThing in return for an honest review.
November 8, 2017
Solid story
Russell creates an interesting world of demons and their behind the scenes shenanigans. There are two intersecting storylines here and they both manage to be equally engaging.
Russell creates an interesting world of demons and their behind the scenes shenanigans. There are two intersecting storylines here and they both manage to be equally engaging.
October 24, 2017
Review in the 11/1/17 issue of IndiePicks Magazine and on my blog: http://raforallhorror.blogspot.com/20...
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March 12, 2018Read for Australian Shadows Awards judging.
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