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Pandemonium
As the year draws to a close, a mysterious stranger makes a proposition to club owner Warren Charlton. It’s a deal involving a brand new drug.
The good news: the drug is free. The bad news: it comes at a heavy price... promising much but delivering far more. Euphoria and ecstasy. Death and depravity.
One big night. One new pill. It all awaits those who try Pandemonium.
***Contains bonus short story 'Reasons to Kill'***
The good news: the drug is free. The bad news: it comes at a heavy price... promising much but delivering far more. Euphoria and ecstasy. Death and depravity.
One big night. One new pill. It all awaits those who try Pandemonium.
***Contains bonus short story 'Reasons to Kill'***
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2018
15 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 6, 2018
Genre - Horror
Pages - 326
Publication Info - KJK Publishing, August 4, 2018
Format - Digital
Stars - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pandemonium, by JC Michael, is a re-release of the authors 2013 debut novel Discoredia. With a new name, cover and publisher. With that being said, this book is filthy good. I had the good fortune to read You Only Get One Shot, a novella co-authored with Kevin J. Kennedy a few months ago, so I had a bit of a feel for J.C. Michael’s style and writing grit. This is no holds barred, in your face, gritty, visceral, nasty, filthy, gore and guts, mess with your head kind of horror. Having never experienced a rave, I had no barometer to gauge the goings on at said rave, but the author was able to make the reader inexperienced at such thing feel quite at home and more than familiar with the surroundings and situations. It’s a dark, chilling, and in your face kind of read. So, buckle up and get ready to enter hell my friends. It’s a wonderfully horrifically epic read. Be afraid, but enjoy the very relatable characters, and the ever growing and diabolical plot. Contains a bonus short story Reasons to Kill.
Synopsis (from back cover): As the year draws to a close, a mysterious stranger makes a proposition to club owner Warren Charlton. It’s a deal involving a brand new drug.
The good news: the drug is free. The bad news: it comes at a heavy price... promising much but delivering far more. Euphoria and ecstasy. Death and depravity.
One big night. One new pill. It all awaits those who try Pandemonium.
About the author: J. C. Michael is an English horror author.
His début novel, Discoredia, was published in September 2013, by Books of the Dead Press. Since then he has seen a number of his short stories published in various anthologies, including Reasons to Kill in the Amazon best-seller Suspended in Dusk, and has also had two stories featured in the single author Double Barrel Horror series from Pint Bottle Press.
Citing Stephen King, James Herbert, and Clive Barker, as his greatest influences Micheal's work sits firmly within the horror genre.
Pages - 326
Publication Info - KJK Publishing, August 4, 2018
Format - Digital
Stars - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pandemonium, by JC Michael, is a re-release of the authors 2013 debut novel Discoredia. With a new name, cover and publisher. With that being said, this book is filthy good. I had the good fortune to read You Only Get One Shot, a novella co-authored with Kevin J. Kennedy a few months ago, so I had a bit of a feel for J.C. Michael’s style and writing grit. This is no holds barred, in your face, gritty, visceral, nasty, filthy, gore and guts, mess with your head kind of horror. Having never experienced a rave, I had no barometer to gauge the goings on at said rave, but the author was able to make the reader inexperienced at such thing feel quite at home and more than familiar with the surroundings and situations. It’s a dark, chilling, and in your face kind of read. So, buckle up and get ready to enter hell my friends. It’s a wonderfully horrifically epic read. Be afraid, but enjoy the very relatable characters, and the ever growing and diabolical plot. Contains a bonus short story Reasons to Kill.
Synopsis (from back cover): As the year draws to a close, a mysterious stranger makes a proposition to club owner Warren Charlton. It’s a deal involving a brand new drug.
The good news: the drug is free. The bad news: it comes at a heavy price... promising much but delivering far more. Euphoria and ecstasy. Death and depravity.
One big night. One new pill. It all awaits those who try Pandemonium.
About the author: J. C. Michael is an English horror author.
His début novel, Discoredia, was published in September 2013, by Books of the Dead Press. Since then he has seen a number of his short stories published in various anthologies, including Reasons to Kill in the Amazon best-seller Suspended in Dusk, and has also had two stories featured in the single author Double Barrel Horror series from Pint Bottle Press.
Citing Stephen King, James Herbert, and Clive Barker, as his greatest influences Micheal's work sits firmly within the horror genre.
November 26, 2018
Pandemonium is set on New Years Eve, at a new rave club, where things don’t go to plan for those attending. The author gives a believable portrayal of rave culture, as clubbers from across the country make their way to Discoredia for the end of year party. Throw in an other-worldly creature with a batch of spiked pills, and read how the biggest club night of the year descends into Pandemonium. Chaos soon ensues, with much blood-shed, graphic violence, and generally crazy behaviour! Pandemonium was a fun read, quick-paced, and thoroughly entertaining. Perhaps a perfect read for this New Years? 5 Stars.
October 30, 2018
Fantastic sub culture twist. I've never been into the Rave scene at all. Yet this story pulled me right in, dragging me through the burning bodies and masticated glass..
August 7, 2018
In John Milton’s Paradise Lost, Pandemonium is the Capital of Hell, and that image perfectly captures the story that unfolds in J. C. Michael’s novel Pandemonium. Chaos and confusion reign supreme on New Year’s Eve in Warren Charlton’s new rave club Discoredia, after a new drug is distributed to the patrons.
The first third of the book gives us a glimpse into the lives of ravers, drug lords, and businessmen, before the cataclysmic events unfold. Each character is complex and flawed, adding to the sense of realism within the book. By the time the story reaches New Year’s Eve the pace becomes blistering and it’s almost impossible to put the novel down. Mr. Michael puts the reader inside the minds of drug-fuelled paranoid characters, as well as sober individuals, providing a perfect balance to view the mayhem as it unfurls.
On the cover is a snippet from a review by Andrew Lennon (author of A Life to Waste), referring to the novel as “Trainspotting meets 28 Days Later” and I couldn’t agree more. Rave clubs were never my scene, but the details provided by the author in Pandemonium are so clear that after reading it I felt like I was right along side the characters dancing and sweating at a fever pitch.
While trying to rate this novel, I was very close to giving it a 5 Star rating, but there was a secondary plot, involving the club owner’s family, which although it was well written, seemed disconnected to the main storyline. Also, without being a spoiler, there is a supernatural element to the book, which I wasn’t prepared for, and when I came across it I was taken out of the story as I thought I had missed something. The twist made sense, but I wish the author had introduced a few more images of otherworldly elements earlier, so the conclusion wasn’t as jarring. All that being said, this was a very enjoyable read with great characters and pacing, and all the blood and gore that I could ask for.
AND, at the end of the book is a bonus short story called “Reasons to Kill” which is fantastic.
Disclaimer: I received an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
The first third of the book gives us a glimpse into the lives of ravers, drug lords, and businessmen, before the cataclysmic events unfold. Each character is complex and flawed, adding to the sense of realism within the book. By the time the story reaches New Year’s Eve the pace becomes blistering and it’s almost impossible to put the novel down. Mr. Michael puts the reader inside the minds of drug-fuelled paranoid characters, as well as sober individuals, providing a perfect balance to view the mayhem as it unfurls.
On the cover is a snippet from a review by Andrew Lennon (author of A Life to Waste), referring to the novel as “Trainspotting meets 28 Days Later” and I couldn’t agree more. Rave clubs were never my scene, but the details provided by the author in Pandemonium are so clear that after reading it I felt like I was right along side the characters dancing and sweating at a fever pitch.
While trying to rate this novel, I was very close to giving it a 5 Star rating, but there was a secondary plot, involving the club owner’s family, which although it was well written, seemed disconnected to the main storyline. Also, without being a spoiler, there is a supernatural element to the book, which I wasn’t prepared for, and when I came across it I was taken out of the story as I thought I had missed something. The twist made sense, but I wish the author had introduced a few more images of otherworldly elements earlier, so the conclusion wasn’t as jarring. All that being said, this was a very enjoyable read with great characters and pacing, and all the blood and gore that I could ask for.
AND, at the end of the book is a bonus short story called “Reasons to Kill” which is fantastic.
Disclaimer: I received an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2018
Pandemonium by J.C. Michael is a daring novel in which the music and drug use of the Rave Scene is exploited by the manifestation of evil intent. One of many things about this story that strikes a chord in me is the underlying depth of the plot. Yes, this story has underlying depth. In the same vein as the great classics, Pandemonium’s characters justify their excesses and greed with valid and not so valid reasons, some of which really speak to the reader, but ultimately, they are only on that road paved with good intentions that such excuses for bad behavior lead us down.
Michael’s characters are authentic in thought, action, and discourse. Relatable, if not always likeable, the characters in Pandemonium are representative of real people. They are people flawed and funny, people of conviction as well as people of frivolity, some generous at heart and others wholly self-absorbed. I was actually a bit taken aback by the lack of obvious stereotypes in such a setting. It is all very well done.
The evil in Pandemonium is Michael’s fresh and creative twist on the classic concepts of supernatural and religious evil. It is well thought out and expertly presented with an ominous and active build up.
Disturbing pace, graphic content, and fully-fleshed out characters make Pandemonium dark, visceral, and compelling. J.C. Michael is an author to not only watch but also enthusiastically follow.
Michael’s characters are authentic in thought, action, and discourse. Relatable, if not always likeable, the characters in Pandemonium are representative of real people. They are people flawed and funny, people of conviction as well as people of frivolity, some generous at heart and others wholly self-absorbed. I was actually a bit taken aback by the lack of obvious stereotypes in such a setting. It is all very well done.
The evil in Pandemonium is Michael’s fresh and creative twist on the classic concepts of supernatural and religious evil. It is well thought out and expertly presented with an ominous and active build up.
Disturbing pace, graphic content, and fully-fleshed out characters make Pandemonium dark, visceral, and compelling. J.C. Michael is an author to not only watch but also enthusiastically follow.
January 21, 2022
Amazing!! Action from the very start. I was a little upset about how it ended. Got dull during the last 50 pages compared to the rest of the story. very unique storyline. Have never read anything like it.
August 17, 2018
Dark, violent and brutal, Pandemonium (the new title of the novel) is a fever nightmare. As much as I like horror, I know nothing about raves (or, for that matter drugs) so I had no frame of reference outside what I’ve seen in the movies. Still, the horrific effects of the new drug Pandemonium can be applied to any kind of historical or cultural setting (which they actually are). It is impressive how the plot combines events that are happening simultaneously within the chapters. Supporting characters in one story become important later on and scenes that play in the background in one story are front and center in subsequent chapters. On the other hand, the amount of characters needed to make the story work makes it hard for all of them to get equal amount of attention. Some are very well developed, while others are a little flatter. If you have a strong stomach, this is a great book to read.
I received a free copy, but I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you!
I received a free copy, but I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you!
March 14, 2022
In the last year I think I saw a Netflix movie with a slightly similar story - new drug hits the market and all hell breaks loose with the human guinea pigs, except THIS STORY is more developed and much more vile.
We meet a man who is about to unveil a brand new club and a lot is riding on it (I got the feeling he might be the type that robs Peter to pay Paul), so while he's got the financing for this mega club, the opening will determine what comes after - will it be a brilliant success or total financial and personal disaster?
But a welcome financial bonus blows in sailing in on red flags, but what the hell.
Meanwhile we meet a range of soon-to-be partiers and how they prepare for what should be the best New Year's Eve party of their lives. I rooted for most of them.
A new drug called Pandemonium is about to make a big splash.
And I honestly felt badly for some of the victims, and I think it's because the author did a great job of introducing the varied cast. And I think some scenes skirt the extreme horror edge?
I found this to be a quick read, I enjoyed the story and appreciated the author taking his time to describe events and build characters. I also appreciated the gore, tbh.
#clubkids #drugsarebad #newyearseveparty #partytilyoudie
We meet a man who is about to unveil a brand new club and a lot is riding on it (I got the feeling he might be the type that robs Peter to pay Paul), so while he's got the financing for this mega club, the opening will determine what comes after - will it be a brilliant success or total financial and personal disaster?
But a welcome financial bonus blows in sailing in on red flags, but what the hell.
Meanwhile we meet a range of soon-to-be partiers and how they prepare for what should be the best New Year's Eve party of their lives. I rooted for most of them.
A new drug called Pandemonium is about to make a big splash.
And I honestly felt badly for some of the victims, and I think it's because the author did a great job of introducing the varied cast. And I think some scenes skirt the extreme horror edge?
I found this to be a quick read, I enjoyed the story and appreciated the author taking his time to describe events and build characters. I also appreciated the gore, tbh.
#clubkids #drugsarebad #newyearseveparty #partytilyoudie
September 23, 2018
I received this book to give an honest review.
So I have to say this book started off good and then I kind of got bored then about 65% in it started picking up and I was intrigued on how this was going to end. So we mostly are in a club which is brand new and owner Warren Charlton ends up passing out a new drug that was given to him. Yet what he doesn't realize is that this drug is not going to be as good as everyone will think. It seems what will be causing the havoc is not human. If you are not into the scene of drugs being used, graphic scenes then this may not be the book for you.
I will say this I kind of wondered what the Painted killer had to do with it as that just was one of those characters you could have done without. For me, the plot just dragged on more than it should have and I didn't enjoy any of the characters. I will say the whole killing scenes towards the end of the book made it worth me sticking with it and finishing it.
http://www.alittlebitofrnr.com/2018/0...
So I have to say this book started off good and then I kind of got bored then about 65% in it started picking up and I was intrigued on how this was going to end. So we mostly are in a club which is brand new and owner Warren Charlton ends up passing out a new drug that was given to him. Yet what he doesn't realize is that this drug is not going to be as good as everyone will think. It seems what will be causing the havoc is not human. If you are not into the scene of drugs being used, graphic scenes then this may not be the book for you.
I will say this I kind of wondered what the Painted killer had to do with it as that just was one of those characters you could have done without. For me, the plot just dragged on more than it should have and I didn't enjoy any of the characters. I will say the whole killing scenes towards the end of the book made it worth me sticking with it and finishing it.
http://www.alittlebitofrnr.com/2018/0...
September 3, 2018
Disappointed
Look I wanted to like this book I really did,but if I have to read Half the book and there still isn't but little things happening then I'm done reading,talk about a waste of my day and time,I've been to Raves before so none of the first half of the book was just really boring really made me laugh and go out and use X,as for the second half of the book I don't know cause I was bored as he'll and quit reading,maybe I should have kept reading since most the reviews I read said the last part of the book was great,Guess I'll NEVER KNOW
Look I wanted to like this book I really did,but if I have to read Half the book and there still isn't but little things happening then I'm done reading,talk about a waste of my day and time,I've been to Raves before so none of the first half of the book was just really boring really made me laugh and go out and use X,as for the second half of the book I don't know cause I was bored as he'll and quit reading,maybe I should have kept reading since most the reviews I read said the last part of the book was great,Guess I'll NEVER KNOW
May 21, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This book sounded so good..and the story is okay. At least there were a couple scenes of gore to make it interesting... BUT I hate it ( absolutely hate) when a horror book blurb sounds good, and it takes some supernatural / demon twist. What I'm getting at is that this story wasnt what I expected at all.
Even though the story took a super fake turn in the storyline into something that I didn't expect, the story itself wasn't horrible.
The writing is good.
There's a big new year rave and someone is giving out dangerous drugs. Then it gets bad.
If I had known the story was about demons and fake stuff, I probably wouldn't have ever read it. I literally had to force myself to finish it. I'm just glad it's done
This book sounded so good..and the story is okay. At least there were a couple scenes of gore to make it interesting... BUT I hate it ( absolutely hate) when a horror book blurb sounds good, and it takes some supernatural / demon twist. What I'm getting at is that this story wasnt what I expected at all.
Even though the story took a super fake turn in the storyline into something that I didn't expect, the story itself wasn't horrible.
The writing is good.
There's a big new year rave and someone is giving out dangerous drugs. Then it gets bad.
If I had known the story was about demons and fake stuff, I probably wouldn't have ever read it. I literally had to force myself to finish it. I'm just glad it's done
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews