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Jack Davidson Case Files #1
The Breeding
Jack may be crazy... but maybe the demons in her head are real. Detective Jack Davidson thinks she went crazy the night her fiancé died in a car crash. Monsters no one else can see or hear cause her constant torment. All logic insists the monsters are byproducts of her trauma, yet she can’t shake the hunch that her hallucinations aren’t all in her head. Then, she discovers that what she’s experiencing is somehow related to her fiance’s last case. When she investigates, she uncovers a plot that involves human trafficking and babies that may not be completely human. In order to save more women from being taken, Jack has to accept that the demons in her head might actually be real. Just as she thinks she’s getting closer to answers, her most powerful enemy targets her best friend. Now Jack must fight against the forces of Hell itself to stop her city from being taken over while trying to protect her best friend—but how can she stop something no one else believes is real?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2018
46 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 2, 2024
Jack Dawson is such an amazing girl cop FMC. She has a lot to fight both within herself and in the world. When she and her fiancée, Trent get into an accident, his death and what she saw force her into a mental hospital. Once she gets out, she realizes things are far crazier than she thought.
I could not put this down! It keeps you reading. The characters are great the plot is intense. I can’t wait to read part 2.
I could not put this down! It keeps you reading. The characters are great the plot is intense. I can’t wait to read part 2.
October 25, 2018
A compelling protagonist, lightning-fast pacing, life-or-death stakes, and a satisfying ending. What more could I have asked for?
December 3, 2018
Another great ride from Avily Jerome!
I really like these characters! Fell in love 😊
Jack Davidson, a detective with Phoenix PD, is having very weird encounters after her fiance dies. As she gets a handle on her hallucinations and hauntings, she picks up a case where her fiance left off. This leads to an encounter with the supernatural and she finds herself caught up in a spiritual battle unlike anyone has ever seen.
Jack is a very likable strong heroine- I didn't find her cliche at all. And the men that flock around her are amazing! I can't decide which love interest I like best. Just when I was rooting for one guy, another won my heart.
Half way through this adventure, I couldn't put it down. Some parts reminded me of Dekker, some Peretti, some King - a unique twist that fuses many genres together. Adventure, horror, speculative, and crime drama.
Another great ride from Jerome! You'll be glad you picked it up!
I really like these characters! Fell in love 😊
Jack Davidson, a detective with Phoenix PD, is having very weird encounters after her fiance dies. As she gets a handle on her hallucinations and hauntings, she picks up a case where her fiance left off. This leads to an encounter with the supernatural and she finds herself caught up in a spiritual battle unlike anyone has ever seen.
Jack is a very likable strong heroine- I didn't find her cliche at all. And the men that flock around her are amazing! I can't decide which love interest I like best. Just when I was rooting for one guy, another won my heart.
Half way through this adventure, I couldn't put it down. Some parts reminded me of Dekker, some Peretti, some King - a unique twist that fuses many genres together. Adventure, horror, speculative, and crime drama.
Another great ride from Jerome! You'll be glad you picked it up!
August 29, 2019
There is a lot to like in this supernatural thriller from Avily Jerome, an author I’ve previously not read. In particular, I enjoyed how she described the fourth dimension where the demons and/or their souls lived. And how our heroine Jak Davidson accesses this dimension.
This is a story involving a BIG mission: world domination. Jerome does a great job with descriptions of the demons, their souls that live on and can plague humans, and some can even transform into humans. All a lot of fun. Jak Davidson is a gutsy heroine who it’s very easy to root for. She doesn’t back down from the baddest of demons and often gets a right thrashing from them while still managing to stay alive.
I struggled a little with her co-stars, love interests, Dr Isaac Reyes and Pastor Chase. The former came across a little sleazy, while the latter’s character arc started strong but kinda gradually became weaker and weaker as the story progressed. I wanted to cheer on Pastor Chase but found him confusing and indecisive. The fact he didn’t set the Desiree Escobar straight bothered me. I found Desiree’s career unbelievable; I could believe her having a mission to win Pastor Chase but not having the career she had.
One aspect of the story that had me puzzled was the fact we didn’t see any evidence of angels, that is, the good ones. Yes, this is a story of fiction and a ‘fantastic’ one at that, however, I think it stretches make believe a little too far to believe that the good guys in the supernatural realm would simply stand by and let the bad ones do what they did. It’s what makes writing supernatural stories involving angels and demons so challenging. We’re all familiar with the various TV shows and movies that have a human protagonist taking on the supernatural antagonists but this goes against the grain of the notion of good and evil. Because the bad guys were originally banished from heaven by the good guys as a result of a titanic war, I struggle with a story that only features one of the supernatural combatants.
In saying that, Jerome has crafted a good story with believable characters, ghastly gargoyle-type demons who have a plan for world domination, a demon spirit that goes from being the accuser to being the enabler and rescuer, and is written with good pace that keeps you wanting to read more.
This is a story involving a BIG mission: world domination. Jerome does a great job with descriptions of the demons, their souls that live on and can plague humans, and some can even transform into humans. All a lot of fun. Jak Davidson is a gutsy heroine who it’s very easy to root for. She doesn’t back down from the baddest of demons and often gets a right thrashing from them while still managing to stay alive.
I struggled a little with her co-stars, love interests, Dr Isaac Reyes and Pastor Chase. The former came across a little sleazy, while the latter’s character arc started strong but kinda gradually became weaker and weaker as the story progressed. I wanted to cheer on Pastor Chase but found him confusing and indecisive. The fact he didn’t set the Desiree Escobar straight bothered me. I found Desiree’s career unbelievable; I could believe her having a mission to win Pastor Chase but not having the career she had.
One aspect of the story that had me puzzled was the fact we didn’t see any evidence of angels, that is, the good ones. Yes, this is a story of fiction and a ‘fantastic’ one at that, however, I think it stretches make believe a little too far to believe that the good guys in the supernatural realm would simply stand by and let the bad ones do what they did. It’s what makes writing supernatural stories involving angels and demons so challenging. We’re all familiar with the various TV shows and movies that have a human protagonist taking on the supernatural antagonists but this goes against the grain of the notion of good and evil. Because the bad guys were originally banished from heaven by the good guys as a result of a titanic war, I struggle with a story that only features one of the supernatural combatants.
In saying that, Jerome has crafted a good story with believable characters, ghastly gargoyle-type demons who have a plan for world domination, a demon spirit that goes from being the accuser to being the enabler and rescuer, and is written with good pace that keeps you wanting to read more.
May 13, 2020
A supernatural delight!
This thriller by Avily Jerome, an author new to me, has constructed a remarkable story involving the fourth dimension where demons dwell and souls live. Her heroine Jak Davidson somehow accesses this frame.
World domination and the end of history as we know it is at issue here. Jerome paints vivid pictures of demon-kind and their souls that live on after death plaguing humans with evil desires. Some demons can morph into human form causing additional confusion. All good fun except for how believable the accounts are.
Davidson is easy to believe in. Introduced to her in a mental hospital after the death of her fiancé, we follow her until the end of the threat. She’s a robust and delightful character. Though scared and apprehensive of the worst demons, she stands her ground and even challenges the beasts, even after taking a good emotional beating from them.
My only problem were with her other headliners. Her initial love interest, Pastor Chase, though likable and well intentioned, came off as weak and indecisive, while Dr. Reyes left a sleazy feel after their first kiss at what I’d call an entirely inappropriate moment. Jak’s competition, Desiree Escobar, displayed an extremely simpering attitude toward Chase, an attitude I felt downgrading to women everywhere.
Overall, a fun and lively read. Be warned there is a bit of foul language throughout the story, but nothing you wouldn’t hear in ordinary conversation these days.
This thriller by Avily Jerome, an author new to me, has constructed a remarkable story involving the fourth dimension where demons dwell and souls live. Her heroine Jak Davidson somehow accesses this frame.
World domination and the end of history as we know it is at issue here. Jerome paints vivid pictures of demon-kind and their souls that live on after death plaguing humans with evil desires. Some demons can morph into human form causing additional confusion. All good fun except for how believable the accounts are.
Davidson is easy to believe in. Introduced to her in a mental hospital after the death of her fiancé, we follow her until the end of the threat. She’s a robust and delightful character. Though scared and apprehensive of the worst demons, she stands her ground and even challenges the beasts, even after taking a good emotional beating from them.
My only problem were with her other headliners. Her initial love interest, Pastor Chase, though likable and well intentioned, came off as weak and indecisive, while Dr. Reyes left a sleazy feel after their first kiss at what I’d call an entirely inappropriate moment. Jak’s competition, Desiree Escobar, displayed an extremely simpering attitude toward Chase, an attitude I felt downgrading to women everywhere.
Overall, a fun and lively read. Be warned there is a bit of foul language throughout the story, but nothing you wouldn’t hear in ordinary conversation these days.
October 4, 2018
A convergence of horror, science fiction, and crime fiction with a theological backbone, The Breeding offers classic elements reimagined with a modern twist.
What I most appreciated about The Breeding is how the author wove classic elements from several different genres into an intriguing storyline. Combined with well-drawn characters that came across the page strong, the result created an immersive reading experience that drew me in the further I progressed in the story.
Readers should be aware there are a few instances of mild-language and generalized discussions about trafficking and pregnancy involving adolescent and adult characters (SPOILER: the pregnancies are implanted in a laboratory). Romantic content is limited to a few sweet kisses - nothing graphic or descriptive.
Overall, I enjoyed reading The Breeding and, even now, find myself mulling over parts of the story. If you're a fan of thought-provoking horror involving demons and theology, I highly recommend checking out this book.
I requested an advanced copy of The Breeding in exchange for an honest review.
What I most appreciated about The Breeding is how the author wove classic elements from several different genres into an intriguing storyline. Combined with well-drawn characters that came across the page strong, the result created an immersive reading experience that drew me in the further I progressed in the story.
Readers should be aware there are a few instances of mild-language and generalized discussions about trafficking and pregnancy involving adolescent and adult characters (SPOILER: the pregnancies are implanted in a laboratory). Romantic content is limited to a few sweet kisses - nothing graphic or descriptive.
Overall, I enjoyed reading The Breeding and, even now, find myself mulling over parts of the story. If you're a fan of thought-provoking horror involving demons and theology, I highly recommend checking out this book.
I requested an advanced copy of The Breeding in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2026
Unexpected
I picked up this book at an event for romance readers and didn't feel it hit that genre. This book reminds me of a book series I read as a teen called the Forbidden Doors. It was about how things from aliens to the magic tricks are works of demons. In this book it seems to say that mental illness is also caused by demonic entities. It gave me a sense that I was being preached at.
I felt like the Brigitte character was done in a way that made me dislike her. It seemed she was self obsessed, and I was wondering why they were friends. Plus I wasn't sure if the author wanted me to judge her and feel she earned a relationship with a demon for sleeping with a guy too soon.
The love intrests didn't make much sense to me. Jack had a multi year committed relationship that died in front of her in a gruesome way and she's ready to entertain dating only a few months later?
I would have rated lower if the story wasn't a good one. If I thought of the religiousity as world building and lore rather than a belief system that happens to exist.
I picked up this book at an event for romance readers and didn't feel it hit that genre. This book reminds me of a book series I read as a teen called the Forbidden Doors. It was about how things from aliens to the magic tricks are works of demons. In this book it seems to say that mental illness is also caused by demonic entities. It gave me a sense that I was being preached at.
I felt like the Brigitte character was done in a way that made me dislike her. It seemed she was self obsessed, and I was wondering why they were friends. Plus I wasn't sure if the author wanted me to judge her and feel she earned a relationship with a demon for sleeping with a guy too soon.
The love intrests didn't make much sense to me. Jack had a multi year committed relationship that died in front of her in a gruesome way and she's ready to entertain dating only a few months later?
I would have rated lower if the story wasn't a good one. If I thought of the religiousity as world building and lore rather than a belief system that happens to exist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2021
At this moment I'm only on chapter twenty, and I'm. A little confused?
I won't say it's not a good book. But I feel like I flipped on the TV to the CW. Everyone is really pretty except the main character, who charms everyone by being...original? Funny? Snarky? Unique? All the boys want her? I guess it wasn't the book for me; I neither liked or understood the main character, it only seemed like she jumped from scene to scene and 'accidently' stumbled on key evidence rather than doing active police investigation. Oh, and let's not forget in every new development, with the exception of her psychologist, she finds a new guy to flirt with, which is never really organically worked through, I wouldn't have minded it so much if Jack was established as a schmoozer or, you know, likeable to me or whatever, it's really just used to highlight that Jack is "hotstuff."
There is something about this book that makes it agonizing for me to read. I thought it was just me, but I read through some of my old haunts (hunger games, dune, percy jackson, immortal beloved trilogy, vampire academy) and while this book for me personally shares a quality with each of the main characters of the books I've listed, it just doesn't get there for me. I want to like this book. I want to hate it enough to put it down. I'm stuck waiting for a redeemable moment for the character and the entertainment. There is potential for the story, just. I haven't come across it yet.
I won't say it's not a good book. But I feel like I flipped on the TV to the CW. Everyone is really pretty except the main character, who charms everyone by being...original? Funny? Snarky? Unique? All the boys want her? I guess it wasn't the book for me; I neither liked or understood the main character, it only seemed like she jumped from scene to scene and 'accidently' stumbled on key evidence rather than doing active police investigation. Oh, and let's not forget in every new development, with the exception of her psychologist, she finds a new guy to flirt with, which is never really organically worked through, I wouldn't have minded it so much if Jack was established as a schmoozer or, you know, likeable to me or whatever, it's really just used to highlight that Jack is "hotstuff."
There is something about this book that makes it agonizing for me to read. I thought it was just me, but I read through some of my old haunts (hunger games, dune, percy jackson, immortal beloved trilogy, vampire academy) and while this book for me personally shares a quality with each of the main characters of the books I've listed, it just doesn't get there for me. I want to like this book. I want to hate it enough to put it down. I'm stuck waiting for a redeemable moment for the character and the entertainment. There is potential for the story, just. I haven't come across it yet.
December 20, 2019
Part urban fantasy, part horror, part supernatural, part crime thriller, this book was an interesting mix of genres and was a fascinating, well-paced read. The first person narrator had a great voice and I immediately connected with her. The plot moved along really well and I had trouble putting the book down. Indie published books can be a gamble but this one was well-edited and very professional. Probably my only critique was that I had some expectations of the plot that didn’t happen, but I can’t really fault the author because it wasn’t like she set something up only to disappoint me, some things just didn’t happen like I wanted them to. Haha! But I hope there’s a sequel because I love Jack and want to see her kick more butt and save the world and stuff. Recommend!!
March 27, 2025
Jack’s life is in the dumps. Dead fiancé, voices whispering in her head, and WHAT is that smell following her around? Checking herself into a mental institution is the only thing that makes sense… until the voices follow her and no amount of medication can make them go away.
A chance encounter leads Jack to an ally who not only believes her, but helps her understand what spiritual warfare really means.
The rest… well you gotta read this book! The narrative will grab you and refuse to let go. I highly recommend!
A chance encounter leads Jack to an ally who not only believes her, but helps her understand what spiritual warfare really means.
The rest… well you gotta read this book! The narrative will grab you and refuse to let go. I highly recommend!
September 22, 2024
Holy cow
This is one very wild story. An invasion is coming and only one woman can fight for us. A cop who recently lost her fiance awakes to find herself haunted. As she recovers and begins to work a case involving missing teenagers she finds many confusing links to otherworldly happenings.
This is one very wild story. An invasion is coming and only one woman can fight for us. A cop who recently lost her fiance awakes to find herself haunted. As she recovers and begins to work a case involving missing teenagers she finds many confusing links to otherworldly happenings.
June 6, 2019
LOVED THIS BOOK!! Perfect amount of creepy without totally creeping me out! Couldn't put the book down till I got to the end!
March 3, 2020
Worthy read. Longer review to be posted on www.duncansbooksandmore.com
June 12, 2019
A great supernatural suspense in the vein of Frank Peretti.
It did bother me that God's authority is never so much as mentioned as the way to victory over the demons, despite having Chase and Floyd (both church pastors) as significant characters, no one ever thinks to pray or come against the demons in the name of Jesus.
But, as a supernatural fantasy/suspense story, it was very good.
It did bother me that God's authority is never so much as mentioned as the way to victory over the demons, despite having Chase and Floyd (both church pastors) as significant characters, no one ever thinks to pray or come against the demons in the name of Jesus.
But, as a supernatural fantasy/suspense story, it was very good.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews