Only Human (Act One): The Pooka's Tales: Speak of the Devil

by Leigh Holland

"After my battle with the beast of the unpronounceable name, I crash landed on the walkway leading to a Welsh church. My luck was on the upturn when its priest picked me up and nursed me back to health. But now he doesn't trust me and won't let me leave. Humans- they always want something. Like the truth, for example. As if! Who does he think he's dealing with?

Want to know my history? I'm a teller of tales. Not that I'll tell you the truth. Nor is everything I say entirely a lie. Just sit back and enjoy my fantastical yarns."

An engaging adventure of desire, determination, and demonic intrigue, dragging the reader to Hell and back.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2017

About the author

Leigh Holland lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her wonderful husband. They have lovely kids, an annoyed tuxedo cat on a carefully rationed diet, and a few hideous bills. When she's not reading, writing, or working herself into an early grave, you can find Leigh blogging at https://leighholland.com.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone loves a good story told by an accomplished storyteller, one that may trick you into believing the unbelievable and doubting the truth. Settle back and be prepared to be amused, amazed and intrigued by a very clever Pooka, repaying a priestly kindness with his tales of intrigue, love, demons, succubi and the frailties of the human condition.

Leigh Holland’s ONLY HUMAN is a quirky tale of a clever Irish fairy and the tales he weaves, his magical abilities to fool humans and his unique take on humanity and life (of which he has many).

Quick, witty and sometimes just plain charming, Ms. Holland’s writing is as if the Pooka is actually talking to us with a glint of something mysterious in his eyes. Definitely a fun read that races past in a flash, leaving us wondering about the human condition, ourselves!

I received this copy from Leigh Holland!

Publisher: Leigh Holland; 1 edition (September 5, 2017)
Publication Date: September 5, 2017
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 137 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Matt McAvoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from “Only Human: Act 1…”; the blurb is a little mysterious, hinting at a humorous, perhaps satirical journey with an ambiguous protagonist. In reality, the book is actually quite a bit darker than I expected – though this is always welcome for my tastes – playing on themes of demonology, Hell on Earth and the Devil. The concept is that a strange, shape-shifting mythological creature called a “Twyleth Teg” (I still don’t know what that is) is being held captive by a priest in rural Wales, while the latter ascertains the creature’s intentions for good or evil. To help the priest make his decision, the Teg narrates a selection of dark, supernatural tales, the subliminal message within them supposedly the key to the priest deciphering the answer to his question.

“Only Human…” really is as entertaining as it sounds, and I couldn’t put it down, reading from cover to cover in just a couple of hours; the stories are both atmospheric and surprisingly chilling – more so than the tongue-in-cheek dialogue of the opening chapter might suggest. There is a degree of humour from the off, but this is subsequently dropped in favour of a more menacing undertone. As one reads on, it soon becomes apparent that the stand-alone stories are actually directly connected parts of the same sum, creating a time-spanning story which crosses dimensions, not dissimilar in structure to “Cloud Atlas”, if a great deal more contemporary. The further it progresses, the more profound and philosophical this book becomes; what begins with the suggestion of a 70s Hammer horror-style anthology gradually evolves into a hellish kind of sci-fi fusion, until the Underworld dimension in the book becomes a metaphorical reflection of our own corrupt, Dystopian, oligarchic future.

This is a very intelligent and imaginative book - highly enjoyable and genuinely thought-provoking - but only if you’ve the determination to unravel the metaphor. Unfortunately, the reader is required to think a lot more than I believe the author intended, because it is necessary to unravel Leigh Holland’s writing to some extent. While she is a very professional author with a good technical knowledge and grammatical ability, I do feel this book suffered badly simply because it is so confusing to read; Leigh’s explanation of events and timelines is not necessarily clear, and I did find it necessary to go back a couple of times to check where (and when) I was at. Natural breaks in the text and story are fragmented and disjointed, and scenes are often not coherently discerned from each other – it felt as though the author is picturing the events in her mind, but foggily articulating them onto the page; unfortunately, this does leave the reader, in my view, with too much work to do. It is a shame this was such a prominent issue, as I otherwise believe “Only Human…” is a book I would have scored with a significantly higher star-rating.

An ambient read this is probably not, but intriguing and fun it certainly is. If you are willing to put in the brainpower, and are perhaps a little more laterally-minded than myself, I think you will enjoy it a great deal.

[Fatima Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, upon seeing the cover, I was a bit skeptical. I am one of those readers that makes a big deal out of cover art really. Yet, there was still some charm in the cover, it might be the chosen colors were very attracted to the eyes. Then I looked over the synopsis and there was something intriguing about it. What made me interested in this book is the way of writing that greeted me when I decided to read it.

It reminded me of Supernatural. Regardless of the fact that the tone of the author was mostly serious and grim, there was some humor in it. I enjoy these kinds of style in writing, especially in this kind of novel. I also like the fact that the different characters do have their own voices and it was clear that the author really made an effort to make sure that the “I” persona would be very unique from everyone else.

However, there are just some moments where it becomes a bit confusing. I guess what makes some parts a bit confusing for me was the way scene was cut and change into another. I understand that the author was doing a conscious effort of making sure that each scene will bring a sense of urgency. Somehow, in a way, it works. I still enjoyed some scenes and especially the ones where the “I” persona was struggling about the situation they needed to face on their own.

I could see that this book is an overall representation of human and its weaknesses. In fact, it makes me think that this book is tackling the different struggles that humans face everyday. There is something insightful about this book. It tackles some serious issues that could be represented by the adversary that the “I” person was seeing through the mirror. Just thinking back about the things that I have seen through this book, I really believe that the author was able to capture something so relevant and made it into something fictional.

I give this 5 stars because I really enjoyed the language and the overall elements that the story has.

[Remmy Meggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Only Human (Act One: The Pooka’s Tales: Speak of the Devil)
Author: Leigh Holland
ISBN: 978-1976152535
Publication date: September 5th, 2017
Length:193 pages, 38,180 words
Genre: Fantasy, Magical Realism, Folklore, Visionary and Metaphysical

This is Leigh Holland’s second published book, and the first of a new series. As an author I read twenty-five to fifty books per month, rarely is one worth doing a review of, and surely not a novella. First of all the book was put together with love. Then edited with love. The author must have planned this out for a long time. From one chapter to another the transition is seamless, if you actually read the book and not skim over it.
She tells me that the book is free. I do not believe she has any idea of what her book is worth, but free is not the answer. This novella should be at least $4.99 on KDP, and Amazon, $5.99 in paperback, it is that good (2017 pricing). It is not often I get a book to read that is edited. So many authors think they can throw slosh out there (slosh is the dirty snow at the side of the road) and get away with it. Mrs. Holland did not throw out slosh, her book is right on target.
I found character development a little lacking, but the main characters are fully aware which makes them interesting. Is the book scary, does it have a purpose, does it tell a story? These are things people want to know, based on the Genre she is pushing. I did not feel it fit any genre. Again it is a book that stands on its own.
Criteria are, does it make you feel emotion, happy, sad, angry, and horrified? Just to name a few. What I can tell you is that it made the tiny little hairs on the back of my neck stand up and gave me goose bump tremors.
For a first of a series novel, I really have to give this 5 stars, Let us hope she continues with this brave endeavor. I hope to be able to review all of her books.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Human is a Fantasy novel written in magical realism. The story is about an Irish fairy. He has magical abilities and uses it to fool humans. He has a very funny take on everything. The story is about witches, humans, Pookas, and demons, a combination that truly provokes fantasy fans and was enjoyable to read.

The Irish fairy is a Pooka, and he is saved by a priest named, Patrick. The priest asks him to tell stories about his past, and since the fairy is cursed, he remembers everything. At first, it was hard to get into the world. However, once I settled in, it was a wonderful experience. The book wishes to emphasize on the human weakness, and I believe, it was filled with human challenges, which made this read to be special.

The story was written in the first-person narrative, and since I read it through hard copy, I also enjoyed the sufficient spacing, formatting and, the style of binding for the book. The pace was steady, and the characters were filled with personality.

The one thing that stood out to me was the author’s style of writing. I believe placing everything aside, where a fantasy novel is being told, the reader is mostly imagining its descriptive world and is wondering in this created space. Therefore, emphasis on perfecting this imagination is vital to the success of the story. The author succeeded in creating this world and also brought out an additional take on the story.

What could have improved was character development, but I believe, that was due to the fact that the book was a novella.

I recommend this book to fantasy readers and people who enjoy stories being re-told.

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first word that comes to mind to describe Only Human is fabulous! Extraordinary, unusual, mysterious and thought-provoking, this book surely made a great impression on me, echoing in my mind and soul with its amazing plot, and vivid characters. Gorgeous fairy tales, but so masterfully written you hardly can distinguish them from reality!
The story began, when a Pooka, the most feared Irish fairy, after the battle with the monster Llamhigyn Y Dwr landed near some Irish church and Patrick O’Donnel, the priest, who saved the supernatural creature, in return for this favour asked it to tell him stories. Being cursed with the Tynghedau, the curse that forces you to remember everything through all your numerous reincarnations, this being is such an incredible story-teller, indeed!
The first person narration from the Pooka conveys events and feelings of the characters in a unique way, the descriptive language, flavoured with a pinch of nearly sarcastic humour adds inimitable colours to the book.
I’ve met demons, succubuses, murderers, and more things that my mind could not even imagine on the pages of this mysterious, gripping book. My favourite idea that I discovered in the words of Pooka about summoning the Devil is that the Devil is just a metaphor for the competing desires within humans. Sounds so right to me.
I bet everyone will find something to appeal to them personally in these outstanding Tales. So, I think this book should not be missed!

[J C Steel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cobbles are hard. They're hard regardless of whether you're human, or a semi-mythical being out of Celtic folklore currently disguised as a harmless pigeon. While reflecting on this unfortunate fact, our hero is picked up by the parish priest. However, with healing comes shape-changing, and with shape-changing come unwelcome questions, like 'What are you?' and 'What's your story?'

Only Human Act I: The Pooka’s Tales: Speak of The Devil is an interesting take on Christian mythology as interpreted by a Twyleth Teg, a figure out of Celtic fairy tales. The protagonist's turn of phrase is entertainingly narcissistic, although unfortunately he's the unseen narrator through most of the book. I say 'unfortunately', because the interplay between the self-absorbed, joke-cracking 'Rory' and the sober parish father was one of the strongest aspects of the read for me.

To anyone familiar with the TV show 'Lucifer', some of the set-up of the main tale will be familiar, along with the portrayal of the Devil as a misunderstood anti-hero. The writing makes light going of subject matter that has bogged down many a story, and the pacing is excellent. I, personally, have issues with stories that go through multiple layers of reality, so I found that aspect of the book off-putting, but I have to give the overall idea points for original characters.

Reviewed for By Rite of Word.

[Darren Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Human is a supernatural 1001 Arabian Nights. In that the Sultan's wife delays her own death by spinning a series of stories that her husband can't stop listening to. Each tale blends into the next and over 1001 nights, the wife is able to delay her own fate.
Only Human is framed by the tales of the Pooka, a demon forced to repay a debt by telling tales of its master, the Devil.
Just like Arabian Nights, what starts off as disparate stories soon become linked in a brilliant and entertaining tale of weakness, temptation, duplicity and love.
With a great concept and great style, Leigh Holland entertains and enthrals in a page turning book that is tragic, horrifying, teasing, funny, fascinating, moving and thought provoking all at once.
The start of the book has a quote from the Introduction to Songs of Innocence by William Blake which itself deals with jealousy, hypocrisy, selfishness and a call to the frail corruptible man to turn from the evil darkness that is his reality and return to the realm of Imagination. All themes very important to Act 1.
This is a great read and the only let down for me was that I can't get my hands on Act 2 yet.

[Tiffany Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written in first-person, breathlessly intertwines religion and folklore. It is an engaging tale that brings the reader on a ride through a world shrouded in fantasy but fantastically our own.

How well do you know oneself? Care to find out? Reading this story will make one grip upon their belief, their faith, or if one should have faith in anything.

I found it most pleasing when the house was silent, and I was tucked away for a good read. I recommend the same to future readers.

Be warned and prepare for goosebumps and racing hearts.

Beware of hobgoblins with a tale to tell and a keen ear to listen.

[Trey Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

What glorious, beeautifull told, well written story. I loved every page of it, the only issue I had with it is that it's too short!
The plot is simple in one sense, a Welsh priest comes across a creature, a sort of trickster, and asks it to tell him a story. And what a story it is. There are demons, witches, futuristic worlds and parallel universes (I think?) And it's filled with mystery and intrigue. I couldn't put it down, very well crafted.

[Morganne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. The way it immerses you in a story within a story is interesting and creative. The pooka is such an entertaining character and he makes even the dreariest stories entertaining. Not even the priest can get enough of the pooka. Overall, this book explores the depths of humanity's flaws and quirks, showing the good, the bad, the human. A fascinating read.

[J.L. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was super entertaining and amazingly dark. I read it cover to cover in a matter of a few hours. The atmosphere is painted realistically and often frightening. At the same time, the story had the addition of charm and humor. It was a mix that I enjoyed as a whole. It was pretty lit and I think I'll be reading this author again.

[Katherine Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won't ruin the book by writing an extensive review that may or may not reveal details of the book that one would have to "read to find out", however, I will say this -- It is a very good book that I recommend every one who likes this genre to read!

[David Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing is perfect, unfortunately. However, this book was very well written. The story will grab you, so hold on!

[Stephanie H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Human (Act One): The Pooka’s Tales: Speak of the Devil by Leigh Holland is fast-paced, entertaining, and thought-provoking. A fantasy novel about demons, witches, pookas, and humans, the book is framed much the same way as 1001 Arabian Nights. What begins as a story about a rescued pooka grows into a story questioning the nature of good and evil and the unreliability of appearances. Readers wanting a happy ending should probably pass this book by, but fantasy fans looking for a mix of Heaven, Hell, magic, and technology will want to dive right in.

Holland’s writing captured my attention immediately, and I couldn’t put the e-book down until I was finished reading. It went by a lot quicker than I thought it would, and the cliffhanger was both an annoyance and a relief. On the one hand, I want my unanswered questions addressed. On the other hand, the cliffhanger all but guarantees these stories will continue. While the title already promises more tales, the cliffhanger seals the deal.

Holland’s well-developed, complex characters were one of the most appealing features of this book, in my opinion. You truly will feel sympathy for the Devil after reading Only Human. However, a more unique aspect of Holland’s work is her humor. Rory the Pooka is so vain and mischievous that readers can never take him seriously. When something seems too obviously funny, like the name “White Castle” for God’s residence, the characters don’t hesitate to point it out, which makes these silly references incredibly funny. Some of the humor, like the name “Godfrey Goddard” for God, are a little too on-the-nose and slapstick for me but, overall, Holland’s humor adds much to the book, including the ability to withstand some of the more gruesome or heart-wrenching moments.

I highly recommend Only Human for fantasy lovers, particularly urban fantasy readers. Anyone who wants a different view on the Devil will also want to check it out as well. At only 137 pages, it’s a quick read that won’t take too much of your time, which is good because I doubt you’ll want to stop until you’re done. I personally can’t wait for the next installment.