Modern Devils

by Avarice Manroot, Laura Russell (Illustrator)

This long-anticipated collection of short fiction from cult favorite and international sensation Avarice Manroot is at once violent, playful, provocative, insightful, and wickedly entertaining while delivering a stunning exploration of the ever-changing face of evil and the ways in which it interacts with the modern world. Illustrated by award-winning contemporary artist Laura Russell, "Modern Devils" is a must-have item for discerning readers from every corner of the globe. Avarice Manroot's unique voice and rich narratives offer a compelling storytelling experience that speaks directly to the human heart, tantalizes the mind, and tugs at the very strings of the soul in such a way as to be instantly memorable. Avarice Manroot, America's best-kept authorial secret, masterfully interweaves elements of mystery, suspense, thriller, fantasy, science fiction, black humor, and disturbing imagery in this hand-selected compilation of tales of terror. A heroin addict comes to terms with becoming a vampire; a man traps the devil in his kitchen and teaches him a lesson; an apathetic suburbanite learns the true value of his soul; a blues legend finds a loophole in a desperate battle to rescue his friend from hell; a demon adapts to survive in an ever-changing world; a cure-all has a dire cost; a kid gets a haircut; and more! "Modern Devils" makes a weird and wonderful gift for this holiday season, and promises to be in no way family friendly.

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2017

Reviews

[John Bruni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of odd, funny and sometimes downright horrifying. I love Manroot's highly unconventional style. He takes chances that I, as a writer, probably wouldn't take. Somehow he makes it all work. It's hard to name a favorite, but I think I'd have to go with "White's Penance." It is a vile story with unexpected twists. I can't help but love it. Other favorites: "The Baby Machine" brings back a very old ritual and places it in modern times with horrifying consequences. "Time Out" is the funniest deal-with-the-devil stories I have ever read. "Generation Cupcake" is a great portrait of kids today, and it has a very satisfying ending. "The Horrors of the Night" gives us a junkie vampire who can't shoot up and wants to find a new way to get heroin into his system. I highly recommend this book.