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The Demon of Decay
A broken man. An evil bargain. Will he wreck his soul to rebuild his life?
Joseph Daniels longs to give his wife the child they both crave. So when she announces her pregnancy on their trip to the secluded family farm, he should be overjoyed. Problem the baby can't possibly be his... and the real father isn't the only fiend prowling the ghost-town streets.
Bitter and humiliated, Joseph turns to a mysterious stranger with a cure-all for his troubles... at a staggering price. Only after the miracle pills bring out the demon in him does he discover the dark force taking him captive.
Can Joseph fight his way back to freedom and family or will his soul be dragged to hell?
The Demon of Decay is a standalone classic horror novel. If you like terrifying choices, blood-chilling suspense, and dark psychological twists, then you'll love Alex C. Gates' spine-tingling tale.
Buy The Demon of Decay to battle the darkness today!
Joseph Daniels longs to give his wife the child they both crave. So when she announces her pregnancy on their trip to the secluded family farm, he should be overjoyed. Problem the baby can't possibly be his... and the real father isn't the only fiend prowling the ghost-town streets.
Bitter and humiliated, Joseph turns to a mysterious stranger with a cure-all for his troubles... at a staggering price. Only after the miracle pills bring out the demon in him does he discover the dark force taking him captive.
Can Joseph fight his way back to freedom and family or will his soul be dragged to hell?
The Demon of Decay is a standalone classic horror novel. If you like terrifying choices, blood-chilling suspense, and dark psychological twists, then you'll love Alex C. Gates' spine-tingling tale.
Buy The Demon of Decay to battle the darkness today!
328 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2018
63 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 13, 2020
I find myself wishing this was my first into into Mr. Alex’s work because it hit all the right buttons. The Demon Decay does not have nearly as enticing of a blurb as The Silent Mask did. Perhaps I was too busy being mesmerized by the cover of The Silent Mask that I forgot the age old “Don’t be a judgy hoe when picking books,” mantra we tells ourselves. We all know we’re fucking liars and judge the shit out of covers anyway.
Enough of judging covers, to the meat of The Demon Decay. Get it meat? 😂 So there’s a lot of dead bodies everywhere. All the dead peoples. Typically the death for me and the build up to impending death tends to be my primary focus when reading horror simply because it’s tricky as shit to write something about death when ones still alive. I mean what do you drawn from? Unless Alex has people stashed in the trunk of his car, which in that case let us hide the bodies... The Demon Decay wouldn’t let me just have the joy of murder scenes to satisfy my horror needs but instead it forced me to pay attention to Joseph Daniels the mc and I found that I liked this man a lot. Joey’s a smidge bit of a codependent with a dash of alcoholism and a side of seeing shit that may or may not be real. I like him. His wife’s a selfish, passive-aggressive ass who he keeps compromising more and more of himself to accommodate to her needs. I waited patiently for Joey to snap and murder her. I wanted to murder her. Alas we can’t always get what we want.
#1 issue with The demon Decay was Joeys drinking and driving. Yea I said it. You can murder, smack your wife around and act like a crazy all you want to but don’t drink and drive or else we’ve got problems. I know I’m insane and I know it happens in real life but fuck Joey, Uber like the rest of us. Be a good killer and stay sober.
The Demon Decay contains death, stabbing, occasional eating of organs... think of it like desert really... marriage that needs counseling, and Aliens? Shadow people? Actual demons? Who the fuck knows. 4.5 stars ⭐️
Enough of judging covers, to the meat of The Demon Decay. Get it meat? 😂 So there’s a lot of dead bodies everywhere. All the dead peoples. Typically the death for me and the build up to impending death tends to be my primary focus when reading horror simply because it’s tricky as shit to write something about death when ones still alive. I mean what do you drawn from? Unless Alex has people stashed in the trunk of his car, which in that case let us hide the bodies... The Demon Decay wouldn’t let me just have the joy of murder scenes to satisfy my horror needs but instead it forced me to pay attention to Joseph Daniels the mc and I found that I liked this man a lot. Joey’s a smidge bit of a codependent with a dash of alcoholism and a side of seeing shit that may or may not be real. I like him. His wife’s a selfish, passive-aggressive ass who he keeps compromising more and more of himself to accommodate to her needs. I waited patiently for Joey to snap and murder her. I wanted to murder her. Alas we can’t always get what we want.
#1 issue with The demon Decay was Joeys drinking and driving. Yea I said it. You can murder, smack your wife around and act like a crazy all you want to but don’t drink and drive or else we’ve got problems. I know I’m insane and I know it happens in real life but fuck Joey, Uber like the rest of us. Be a good killer and stay sober.
The Demon Decay contains death, stabbing, occasional eating of organs... think of it like desert really... marriage that needs counseling, and Aliens? Shadow people? Actual demons? Who the fuck knows. 4.5 stars ⭐️
April 30, 2019
The Demon of Decay, by Alex C. Gates, is a religious horror about how easy it can be to corrupt someone just from their deepest desires.
Joseph “Joe” Daniels is struggling to impregnate his wife, Victoria. He’s sitting in a doctor’s office getting tested, when he meets his former pastor, a man who murdered his daughter’s ex-boyfriend. The encounter spurs him to see his Aunt and Uncle, both of whom need help. After convincing Victoria to go see them, the two head to their house. However, the moment he steps foot in their home, he’s horrified by how much things have changed. His beloved Aunt is dying, as is his town. As time passes, he notices a decadence eating away at the residents, a decadence that eventually catches up to he and Victoria. In this dark story, Gates delivers a simple message about what happens when humans decide to chain themselves to their lusts, all the while ignoring their crumbling morality.
I loved Victoria and Joseph. Victoria took a traditionally masculine role in order to support their growing family, which, according to Joseph, left him with nothing. It shows just how deeply embedded his expectations are. He felt useless. At the very least, he wanted to give Victoria what she wanted, so much so he almost killed for it. But more than that, he would do whatever it took to regain some amount of control in their control. And it was at that moment that the Demon of Decay was able to take over. After all, it turned an entire town upside down, dragging its residents to hell, so what was one more person? His problems is a struggle that many men could relate to. So much value has been placed on fertility in order to cement a man’s masculinity, and to have someone or something take that away is frightening. However, that doesn’t necessarily excuse him from his actions, no matter how empathetic, or even pathetic, he tries to make himself out to be.
This in turn, led not just Joseph, but also an entire town, to turn against their loved ones and themselves. Family units are degraded, and societal conventions are tossed aside, all for the sake of their own wants. Right and wrong are reversed, all in the guise of a medication that promises to cure everyone of their diseases, physical or psychological. This concept references the Bible, and how the Devil will disguise himself as an angel of light, misleading and destroying others who are naive enough to be caught up in it. This also extends to drugs and medicine, and how simple it could be to rely on one drug, so much so you’d do anything to get it. It reflects America’s struggles with the opiod crisis, or at the very least, our dependence on medicines for everything, even something as natural as pain. In other words, we rely too much on miracle cures, hoping for something that’s too good to be true. Because no matter what reality says, if someone says they can fix our problems, at the very least, we’ll want to believe them.
Overall, I would give this book a rating of a 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. The characters were all relatable, alongside their struggles. What’s more, the demon was very convincing, so much so I can’t help but wonder what I would do in their position. However, Gates also reminds us that there is no easy way out, whether it be some medicine, or promise, or even a misguided faith. As such, I would recommend this book to fans of The Devil in Black Creek by DR Bartlette and Clemenceau’s Daughter by Rocky Porch Moore.
Joseph “Joe” Daniels is struggling to impregnate his wife, Victoria. He’s sitting in a doctor’s office getting tested, when he meets his former pastor, a man who murdered his daughter’s ex-boyfriend. The encounter spurs him to see his Aunt and Uncle, both of whom need help. After convincing Victoria to go see them, the two head to their house. However, the moment he steps foot in their home, he’s horrified by how much things have changed. His beloved Aunt is dying, as is his town. As time passes, he notices a decadence eating away at the residents, a decadence that eventually catches up to he and Victoria. In this dark story, Gates delivers a simple message about what happens when humans decide to chain themselves to their lusts, all the while ignoring their crumbling morality.
I loved Victoria and Joseph. Victoria took a traditionally masculine role in order to support their growing family, which, according to Joseph, left him with nothing. It shows just how deeply embedded his expectations are. He felt useless. At the very least, he wanted to give Victoria what she wanted, so much so he almost killed for it. But more than that, he would do whatever it took to regain some amount of control in their control. And it was at that moment that the Demon of Decay was able to take over. After all, it turned an entire town upside down, dragging its residents to hell, so what was one more person? His problems is a struggle that many men could relate to. So much value has been placed on fertility in order to cement a man’s masculinity, and to have someone or something take that away is frightening. However, that doesn’t necessarily excuse him from his actions, no matter how empathetic, or even pathetic, he tries to make himself out to be.
This in turn, led not just Joseph, but also an entire town, to turn against their loved ones and themselves. Family units are degraded, and societal conventions are tossed aside, all for the sake of their own wants. Right and wrong are reversed, all in the guise of a medication that promises to cure everyone of their diseases, physical or psychological. This concept references the Bible, and how the Devil will disguise himself as an angel of light, misleading and destroying others who are naive enough to be caught up in it. This also extends to drugs and medicine, and how simple it could be to rely on one drug, so much so you’d do anything to get it. It reflects America’s struggles with the opiod crisis, or at the very least, our dependence on medicines for everything, even something as natural as pain. In other words, we rely too much on miracle cures, hoping for something that’s too good to be true. Because no matter what reality says, if someone says they can fix our problems, at the very least, we’ll want to believe them.
Overall, I would give this book a rating of a 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. The characters were all relatable, alongside their struggles. What’s more, the demon was very convincing, so much so I can’t help but wonder what I would do in their position. However, Gates also reminds us that there is no easy way out, whether it be some medicine, or promise, or even a misguided faith. As such, I would recommend this book to fans of The Devil in Black Creek by DR Bartlette and Clemenceau’s Daughter by Rocky Porch Moore.
October 14, 2018
What an amazing debut for Mr. Alex Gates! If you love books by Dean Koontz and Stephen King, give this one a try.
The main character, Joseph "Joey" Daniels is just a normal guy. He and his wife, Victoria, are trying hard to have a baby. When Joey is at the Doctor for a fertility check, he sees a man he hasn't seen in years and begins to reminisce about the time he spent with his Uncle Charles and Aunt Lynn in Ayser.
He talks Vic into going with him to visit them, but things have definitely changed. The town is almost a ghost town, his Uncle is more vulgar and violent and his Aunt is basically catatonic. Their home is like the worst hoarders nightmare. What has happened to cause all of this? And, what exactly is Uncle Charles hiding in the barn?
As you read the book, some chapters don't seem to fit with the main story, but as the book progresses, it begins to makes sense. Is there a magic pill that can fix whatever is ailing you? And, if there is, what is the price? The classic tale of good vs. evil and being careful what you wish for is here for all to read.
As I read this book, I was definitely reminded of "The Shining" (which is a good thing!). Joey slowly spirals into a man possessed, drinking himself into a stupor after promising never to drink because of his drunkard mother. A strange girl keeps popping up whenever he gets into trouble, but who is she? Is she real or a figment of his drunken state?
There are so many scenes filled with dread, terror, horror and sadness. Sometimes I just wanted to scream at the characters to make them realize that they were headed to disaster. The ending was a surprise, but very appropriate. This is a book that will grab you and you won't be able to stop until you reach the inevitable end.
My only (minor) complaint with the book is that a couple of things were introduced early in the book that were left hanging. A little more information about Carrie would have been nice. Her story really didn't add to the overall tale IMHO. The author didn't really finish up her story.
All in all, a scary tale from an author that I will definitely be following!
The main character, Joseph "Joey" Daniels is just a normal guy. He and his wife, Victoria, are trying hard to have a baby. When Joey is at the Doctor for a fertility check, he sees a man he hasn't seen in years and begins to reminisce about the time he spent with his Uncle Charles and Aunt Lynn in Ayser.
He talks Vic into going with him to visit them, but things have definitely changed. The town is almost a ghost town, his Uncle is more vulgar and violent and his Aunt is basically catatonic. Their home is like the worst hoarders nightmare. What has happened to cause all of this? And, what exactly is Uncle Charles hiding in the barn?
As you read the book, some chapters don't seem to fit with the main story, but as the book progresses, it begins to makes sense. Is there a magic pill that can fix whatever is ailing you? And, if there is, what is the price? The classic tale of good vs. evil and being careful what you wish for is here for all to read.
As I read this book, I was definitely reminded of "The Shining" (which is a good thing!). Joey slowly spirals into a man possessed, drinking himself into a stupor after promising never to drink because of his drunkard mother. A strange girl keeps popping up whenever he gets into trouble, but who is she? Is she real or a figment of his drunken state?
There are so many scenes filled with dread, terror, horror and sadness. Sometimes I just wanted to scream at the characters to make them realize that they were headed to disaster. The ending was a surprise, but very appropriate. This is a book that will grab you and you won't be able to stop until you reach the inevitable end.
My only (minor) complaint with the book is that a couple of things were introduced early in the book that were left hanging. A little more information about Carrie would have been nice. Her story really didn't add to the overall tale IMHO. The author didn't really finish up her story.
All in all, a scary tale from an author that I will definitely be following!
November 20, 2018
Joseph Daniels is a regular Joe (pun intended) trying to start a family with his wife, Victoria. Unfortunately, they're having a hard time and it's putting a strain on their marriage.
Joey suggests taking a ride to visit his aunt and uncle, whom he hasn't seen in years, and that's when things start taking a turn for the worse.
His aunt and uncle are acting strange, Ayser, CA has turned into a ghost town and Joey will soon become its next victim.
Joey receives bad news and it starts him on a path of self-destruction.
This is a straightforward tale of good vs. evil and succumbing to an offer that is too good to be true. If it's too good to be true, it's probably best to stay away.
The ending was a surprise. I was expecting something else, but it was refreshing and probably the most realistic in context with the story.
Victoria annoyed me. She wasn't likable, and I'm not sure if that was the author's intention or not, but because she annoyed me, I figured that if every character was likable the book would be a boring read.
Great read and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Joey suggests taking a ride to visit his aunt and uncle, whom he hasn't seen in years, and that's when things start taking a turn for the worse.
His aunt and uncle are acting strange, Ayser, CA has turned into a ghost town and Joey will soon become its next victim.
Joey receives bad news and it starts him on a path of self-destruction.
This is a straightforward tale of good vs. evil and succumbing to an offer that is too good to be true. If it's too good to be true, it's probably best to stay away.
The ending was a surprise. I was expecting something else, but it was refreshing and probably the most realistic in context with the story.
Victoria annoyed me. She wasn't likable, and I'm not sure if that was the author's intention or not, but because she annoyed me, I figured that if every character was likable the book would be a boring read.
Great read and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
March 13, 2020
Spoiler Free.
Warning to those with sensitivities: there is one incident of graphic spousal abuse.
This book was Dark, Intense, and Terrifying. I found I had to take breaks away from it, not because it wasn't amazing, but because of the vivid, fast paced bombardment of the building horrors. The character development was wonderful, the imagery was horrendously perfect. The author has created a very unique way for evil to slither into the lives of everyday people. He has a talent for amazing foreshadowing of the eventual conclusion.
There were some surprises at the end concerning some of the main characters and a brilliant wrap up of how all the parts fit together.
I loved this book. It does get quite dark but it is a moderately complex, well constructed story that should give any horror fan a run for their money.
Warning to those with sensitivities: there is one incident of graphic spousal abuse.
This book was Dark, Intense, and Terrifying. I found I had to take breaks away from it, not because it wasn't amazing, but because of the vivid, fast paced bombardment of the building horrors. The character development was wonderful, the imagery was horrendously perfect. The author has created a very unique way for evil to slither into the lives of everyday people. He has a talent for amazing foreshadowing of the eventual conclusion.
There were some surprises at the end concerning some of the main characters and a brilliant wrap up of how all the parts fit together.
I loved this book. It does get quite dark but it is a moderately complex, well constructed story that should give any horror fan a run for their money.
January 19, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the very beginning, the book captures your attention with murder and continues to hold it tight. Without giving away too much of the book, I will say that it is not necessarily horror in the 'keep you awake all night with nightmares' sort of way. But it is descriptive in its gore and the demon itself. It takes you through the decay of a man who is meant to be the next vessel for the demon and his fight to figure it all out.
Definitely, a to read book if you're into the horror genre or demons!
Definitely, a to read book if you're into the horror genre or demons!
May 20, 2020
a quick, fun read for horror fans from a promising author. the text is absolutely riddled with typos, which would normally turn me off, but I found the novel enjoyable in spite of them; that, alone, tells me that there's some merit to "The Demon of Decay". I did find the antagonist not fully-formed when all is said and done, and the ending left a bit to be desired, but Gates does a good job of keeping you hooked, hoping that these things will be resolved better than they eventually are.
October 30, 2018
A demon lives on hopes and dreams of others to survive and move around the world. It helps them get what they want but they corrupt the souls of the person. He wants to give his wife a family but he cannot do he goes to the demon. What will he do? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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April 16, 2020Alex Gates has a gift for imagery, he paints a beautifully dark world, one you feel like you inhabit, even though you don't want to, most of the time. The few times you do are generally just deliciously evil temptations from a temptress unlike any other. It is a deep dive into the emotional psyche of the human condition.
July 20, 2019
A real life horror story with tears. 4.5 stars
This isn't what I anticipated when I started reading it. But there is more to horror stories than demons and monsters and this story explains it best. You may not enjoy this story, but you definitely won't forget it!
This isn't what I anticipated when I started reading it. But there is more to horror stories than demons and monsters and this story explains it best. You may not enjoy this story, but you definitely won't forget it!
January 20, 2019
Pretty good read
Boy suffers horrible abuse, sees & experiences these at his home. All kinds of things happen, at his Aunt & Uncles house. Did not like the sappy ending.
Boy suffers horrible abuse, sees & experiences these at his home. All kinds of things happen, at his Aunt & Uncles house. Did not like the sappy ending.
July 16, 2019
No redemption for any characters. Extremely unsatisfying ending.
August 6, 2019
Good story
I did enjoy the story but the spelling and grammatical errors kept getting in the way.I will probably read another book because I did like his imagination
I did enjoy the story but the spelling and grammatical errors kept getting in the way.I will probably read another book because I did like his imagination
August 15, 2019
A baby for saving a marage
A demon takes over life's and souls. He sucks the life and soul from people. Is there a way to stop him, read on to find out.
A demon takes over life's and souls. He sucks the life and soul from people. Is there a way to stop him, read on to find out.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews