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In the Darkness #1
How We Sell Our Souls
When George Soto turns twenty-six, his life is less than perfect. Stuck in a dead-end job, watching his friends pass him by, it’s quickly starting to feel like he’s going nowhere. When he finds a strange ritual meant to contract a demon, he doesn’t imagine it could possibly work.
Until there’s a demon standing in his living room.
George doesn’t know what a contract with a demon entails, but it seems like a great opportunity to get revenge on his awful boss. Gradually, he and the demon—an abrasive entity who calls himself Jack—form an alliance.
But as things heat up between them, George almost doesn’t notice the increasing darkness in his life. The nights are longer, the shadows grow heavier, and the world around him seems to be distorting.
Until there’s a demon standing in his living room.
George doesn’t know what a contract with a demon entails, but it seems like a great opportunity to get revenge on his awful boss. Gradually, he and the demon—an abrasive entity who calls himself Jack—form an alliance.
But as things heat up between them, George almost doesn’t notice the increasing darkness in his life. The nights are longer, the shadows grow heavier, and the world around him seems to be distorting.
171 pages, ebook
First published November 26, 2018
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 21, 2018
A wonderful story. I really, really enjoyed reading this.
While i feel the main character was (at the beginning) a tad too willing to cheerfully accept the presence of a demon he just summoned, the rest of the story was wonderful.
George and his sense of humour were likeable, and Jack was surly but sweet. The way the characters interacted, and the plot that formed was interesting, kept me wondering what would happen next and kept me reading it easily all in one sitting.
This book has great content - there was action and magic, it made me laugh, made me want to cry, and above all made me wish there was a sequel. I look forward to further works (sequel or not!) from this author.
I was given a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
While i feel the main character was (at the beginning) a tad too willing to cheerfully accept the presence of a demon he just summoned, the rest of the story was wonderful.
George and his sense of humour were likeable, and Jack was surly but sweet. The way the characters interacted, and the plot that formed was interesting, kept me wondering what would happen next and kept me reading it easily all in one sitting.
This book has great content - there was action and magic, it made me laugh, made me want to cry, and above all made me wish there was a sequel. I look forward to further works (sequel or not!) from this author.
I was given a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.75 stars
This novella is written in the third-person omniscient present tense, which took some getting used to. Fortunately, this was a short enough story and the author a decent writer, so it wasn’t too difficult, it just caused some small issues that I, personally, didn’t care for, especially in exposition scenes or action scenes where it came across as clumsy. At times, it was more like reading stage directions.
George is a man now closer to thirty than twenty (he’s just turned 26) and is feeling unhappy with his life. He’s bored, he’s lonely, and he’s a bit of a brat. When he realizes he’s actually summoned a demon, he’s a bit surprised, but mostly he’s just really pleased. Pleased enough that, once he comes up with something for the demon to do, he invites him to stay for beer. As one does, with a demon.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
2.75 stars
This novella is written in the third-person omniscient present tense, which took some getting used to. Fortunately, this was a short enough story and the author a decent writer, so it wasn’t too difficult, it just caused some small issues that I, personally, didn’t care for, especially in exposition scenes or action scenes where it came across as clumsy. At times, it was more like reading stage directions.
George is a man now closer to thirty than twenty (he’s just turned 26) and is feeling unhappy with his life. He’s bored, he’s lonely, and he’s a bit of a brat. When he realizes he’s actually summoned a demon, he’s a bit surprised, but mostly he’s just really pleased. Pleased enough that, once he comes up with something for the demon to do, he invites him to stay for beer. As one does, with a demon.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
August 9, 2020
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2018/12/04/...
Rating: 4 Stars - minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
Rating: 4 Stars - minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
November 30, 2018
This was a weird story. George decides to play joke on his birthday. He ends up summoning Jack, a demon.
Then George likes Jack and summons him again. He summons Jack a few times. Then weird things start to happen.
George finds out way more than he wants to know about demons.
Accidents happen and bad mojo are the things of days of weird.
This story was good and kind of interesting, world building was decent.
There could have been a bit more details. Maybe some more romance to tie things together. A few more chapters would have been so much more fun. The ending is the weirdest part. More to come , I think. Not sure of the tie in with this book. Maybe it will turn out to be a fantastic
series.. A good start.
(Given a copy for an honest review)
(NetGalley)
(Thanks)
Then George likes Jack and summons him again. He summons Jack a few times. Then weird things start to happen.
George finds out way more than he wants to know about demons.
Accidents happen and bad mojo are the things of days of weird.
This story was good and kind of interesting, world building was decent.
There could have been a bit more details. Maybe some more romance to tie things together. A few more chapters would have been so much more fun. The ending is the weirdest part. More to come , I think. Not sure of the tie in with this book. Maybe it will turn out to be a fantastic
series.. A good start.
(Given a copy for an honest review)
(NetGalley)
(Thanks)
November 27, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
This is more of a 2.5 rounded up. It wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't necessarily what I was looking for. I thought it would be a much darker book, especially with the content warnings at the beginning, but for the most part it was really cutesy and I'm not sure why there was an explicit content warning because there was only one fade-to-black scene towards the end that was definitely pretty disappointing. If you're just looking for a short read about a guy who accidentally befriends a demon then this is fine, but if you're looking for something with a bit more substance I would probably skip this. It did take a darker turn in the very last few pages so maybe the next book will be better, but I don't think I'll be reading any more.
This is more of a 2.5 rounded up. It wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't necessarily what I was looking for. I thought it would be a much darker book, especially with the content warnings at the beginning, but for the most part it was really cutesy and I'm not sure why there was an explicit content warning because there was only one fade-to-black scene towards the end that was definitely pretty disappointing. If you're just looking for a short read about a guy who accidentally befriends a demon then this is fine, but if you're looking for something with a bit more substance I would probably skip this. It did take a darker turn in the very last few pages so maybe the next book will be better, but I don't think I'll be reading any more.
November 20, 2018
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
George is a hyper guy who gets drunk with his friends and raises a demon as a prank.
When Jack, pencil-pusher of hell, realizes how clueless George is, he can't take his soul. Eventually, it's less summons and more dates. Dinner, amusement parks, terrifying dragon rollercoaster! (Remember George, you must be this tall to ride the demon!)
This is a cute supernatural concept. I can't go into too much without spoiling things. I will say, total cliffhanger! I'm the kind of person who waits until a whole series is published, with the exception of Arc reviews, if that's you, this is absolutely one of those books.
Low heat, paranormal, shmoop, cute, cliffhanger. Some death, violence, and other paranormal elements.
3.5/5
George is a hyper guy who gets drunk with his friends and raises a demon as a prank.
When Jack, pencil-pusher of hell, realizes how clueless George is, he can't take his soul. Eventually, it's less summons and more dates. Dinner, amusement parks, terrifying dragon rollercoaster! (Remember George, you must be this tall to ride the demon!)
This is a cute supernatural concept. I can't go into too much without spoiling things. I will say, total cliffhanger! I'm the kind of person who waits until a whole series is published, with the exception of Arc reviews, if that's you, this is absolutely one of those books.
Low heat, paranormal, shmoop, cute, cliffhanger. Some death, violence, and other paranormal elements.
3.5/5
July 17, 2019
Wow what a start to this series. To think it started with a harmless birthday drink or two with a few friends and ended up with demons everywhere. All because of something that was supposed to be a joke. Demonology is no joke, neither is reincarnation, which George and his friends quickly learned.
George was happy. Kind of. He guessed. Not really. His only real friends were the ones from college, he had a job he really didn't like because his boss was an asshole, but it was a paycheck. It's his birthday and he doesn't even get a real party. Just his three friends in a bar getting drunk. As they leave to go home, completely wasted, they all decide they need to pee but nothing seems open. Except for a bookstore. But something about this bookstore strikes George as odd. Markings on the bells entering the shop, papers and books everywhere.
As his friends go to the bathroom, George can't help but be nosey. And what he sees shocks him. Pages of writing he can't understand, except for a few. One grabs his attention quickly. A circle with symbols all around, and in the center...a pentagram. And he quickly reads what this page is. How to summon a demon. He's startled as a door shut, and pages fly everywhere. Just when he thinks he's gotten them all out back, out everyone comes. As they're going home, he realizes he accidentally kept the summoning demon page. Matt suggests trying as a date but George thinks no. Until he does. And what he does starts something he has no way to fix. And nothing to chase away the shadows. With horrid events happening around him, he now knows what has to be done to fix it. And it's not a pretty picture.
George learns real quick not to mess with something he knows nothing about. When he meets his demon, 'Jack', at first he's terrified. But as Jack shows George his 'human' side, George is quickly in lust. He does everything he can to make friends with Jack. But what he doesn't realize, is every time he summons Jack, texts him, calls him, whatever, he's paying a price. He just has no clue what it is. But when his life is threatened twice to the point of almost dying, he's getting a clue. And the next price he has to pay, is one of the worst ever. And the only way to stop the war Jack has said started, is the ultimate price. Could you imagine?
I remember growing up and the Ouija boards were a big thing. Hose things creeped me out then. I couldn't imagine having a real live demon at my disposal. Especially if I didn't know the whole story about it all before I did the ritual.
But I tell ya. This story has some definite dark elements. So if you have trouble with this kind of stuff be careful. But if not, this is one hell of a start to this series. I really enjoyed it.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
George was happy. Kind of. He guessed. Not really. His only real friends were the ones from college, he had a job he really didn't like because his boss was an asshole, but it was a paycheck. It's his birthday and he doesn't even get a real party. Just his three friends in a bar getting drunk. As they leave to go home, completely wasted, they all decide they need to pee but nothing seems open. Except for a bookstore. But something about this bookstore strikes George as odd. Markings on the bells entering the shop, papers and books everywhere.
As his friends go to the bathroom, George can't help but be nosey. And what he sees shocks him. Pages of writing he can't understand, except for a few. One grabs his attention quickly. A circle with symbols all around, and in the center...a pentagram. And he quickly reads what this page is. How to summon a demon. He's startled as a door shut, and pages fly everywhere. Just when he thinks he's gotten them all out back, out everyone comes. As they're going home, he realizes he accidentally kept the summoning demon page. Matt suggests trying as a date but George thinks no. Until he does. And what he does starts something he has no way to fix. And nothing to chase away the shadows. With horrid events happening around him, he now knows what has to be done to fix it. And it's not a pretty picture.
George learns real quick not to mess with something he knows nothing about. When he meets his demon, 'Jack', at first he's terrified. But as Jack shows George his 'human' side, George is quickly in lust. He does everything he can to make friends with Jack. But what he doesn't realize, is every time he summons Jack, texts him, calls him, whatever, he's paying a price. He just has no clue what it is. But when his life is threatened twice to the point of almost dying, he's getting a clue. And the next price he has to pay, is one of the worst ever. And the only way to stop the war Jack has said started, is the ultimate price. Could you imagine?
I remember growing up and the Ouija boards were a big thing. Hose things creeped me out then. I couldn't imagine having a real live demon at my disposal. Especially if I didn't know the whole story about it all before I did the ritual.
But I tell ya. This story has some definite dark elements. So if you have trouble with this kind of stuff be careful. But if not, this is one hell of a start to this series. I really enjoyed it.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
November 24, 2018
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I Loved this. Like, capital L LOVED. Everyone should read it because it is amazing and i am dyingg!
Haven’t had this intense of a reaction to a book since I read Empire of Storms (to be fair I haven’t yet gotten around to Kingdom of Ash, but that’s irrelevant)
I tried to keep up with count of smiles and squeals, which later turned into some more serious tallies:
Smiles - I honestly have no clue, this was just really cute and funny for like, most of the first 70%
Squeals at adorableness - at least 10
Scream count - 13
Time spent smothering myself with a pillow - 15 minutes
Tears - too many to count
Notes taken while reading (THESE CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!!!)
- i love it
- fucking love this
- George and Jack are adorable, and they’re not even together yet
- He’s so not going to stop seeing Jack
- Nooo, not Lucy!!
- This is getting so intense
- “he never told adam his name” - who and/or what is adam?
- the brosquad is goals
- NOOOOO!!! Ohmigod, tell me this isn’t happening!! NOT ALEX!!
- nononononononononononononono
- nope
- nopity-nope-nope
- i can’t do this
- alex and matt can’t BOTH die
- fuck this shit
- i am literally crying rn
- tell me at least josh will survive
- pleeeaase i am begging you let george keep one of his friends
- jack, where are you???
- holy fucking shit i can't do this fucking fuckity fuck no i am screaming what the fuck stop this nooooo
- WELL FUCKING FINALLY JACK IT TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH TO SHOW UP!
- i forgot that matt was engaged. how the fuck did i forget that??
- What are you up to, Josh?
- Ohmigod, the confession is coming! <3
- Yaaaasssss!!!! <3<3<3
- Ohmigod no
- did josh try to resurrect matt? is matt a vengeful ghost now? what is happeninggg??
- NO! FUCK NO! THIS IS NOT COOL!!
- WHY IS EVERYONE DEAD?????
- hooooly fuuuckkk he did not just ORDER him to take his soul?? ffffuuuckkkk
- *screamingandcryingandsmotheringmyselfwithapillowinanattempttoescapethisemotionaltrauma*
- Wait… who the fuck is Beck?
- ohmigod i need the next book. like, yesterday!!
I Loved this. Like, capital L LOVED. Everyone should read it because it is amazing and i am dyingg!
Haven’t had this intense of a reaction to a book since I read Empire of Storms (to be fair I haven’t yet gotten around to Kingdom of Ash, but that’s irrelevant)
I tried to keep up with count of smiles and squeals, which later turned into some more serious tallies:
Smiles - I honestly have no clue, this was just really cute and funny for like, most of the first 70%
Squeals at adorableness - at least 10
Scream count - 13
Time spent smothering myself with a pillow - 15 minutes
Tears - too many to count
Notes taken while reading (THESE CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!!!)
- i love it
- fucking love this
- George and Jack are adorable, and they’re not even together yet
- He’s so not going to stop seeing Jack
- Nooo, not Lucy!!
- This is getting so intense
- “he never told adam his name” - who and/or what is adam?
- the brosquad is goals
- NOOOOO!!! Ohmigod, tell me this isn’t happening!! NOT ALEX!!
- nononononononononononononono
- nope
- nopity-nope-nope
- i can’t do this
- alex and matt can’t BOTH die
- fuck this shit
- i am literally crying rn
- tell me at least josh will survive
- pleeeaase i am begging you let george keep one of his friends
- jack, where are you???
- holy fucking shit i can't do this fucking fuckity fuck no i am screaming what the fuck stop this nooooo
- WELL FUCKING FINALLY JACK IT TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH TO SHOW UP!
- i forgot that matt was engaged. how the fuck did i forget that??
- What are you up to, Josh?
- Ohmigod, the confession is coming! <3
- Yaaaasssss!!!! <3<3<3
- Ohmigod no
- did josh try to resurrect matt? is matt a vengeful ghost now? what is happeninggg??
- NO! FUCK NO! THIS IS NOT COOL!!
- WHY IS EVERYONE DEAD?????
- hooooly fuuuckkk he did not just ORDER him to take his soul?? ffffuuuckkkk
- *screamingandcryingandsmotheringmyselfwithapillowinanattempttoescapethisemotionaltrauma*
- Wait… who the fuck is Beck?
- ohmigod i need the next book. like, yesterday!!
November 30, 2018
How We Sell Our Souls, part of the publisher's gallant attempt to provide diverse fiction, is certainly an original take on male-male relationships. The characters and plot are intriguing as is the developing relationship between George and Jack. Using the paranormal, in this case, a demon, as a twist in the tale is an inspired move which kept me turning the pages. George is likeable from the get-go whereas it takes a little time to warm to Jack and their sense of humour had me laughing out loud a couple of times.
From what I can gather this is the first book in the In the Darkness series, so I look forward to returning to Emilie Macadamo's special world. The pace is perfect and it's a well-written novel which is easy to follow and compelling. Jack is a character who starts off being cold and distant and through time gradually becomes warmer and friendlier. Reader excretion is advised as there are a variety of mature themes throughout the story including some graphic and gory scenes and the death a secondary character. All in all, this is an enjoyable read with plenty of intrigue whilst also exploring important issues of identity, love and friendship.
Many thanks to NineStar Press for an ARC.
From what I can gather this is the first book in the In the Darkness series, so I look forward to returning to Emilie Macadamo's special world. The pace is perfect and it's a well-written novel which is easy to follow and compelling. Jack is a character who starts off being cold and distant and through time gradually becomes warmer and friendlier. Reader excretion is advised as there are a variety of mature themes throughout the story including some graphic and gory scenes and the death a secondary character. All in all, this is an enjoyable read with plenty of intrigue whilst also exploring important issues of identity, love and friendship.
Many thanks to NineStar Press for an ARC.
November 28, 2018
How We Sell Our Souls was an entertaining read. I loved the character of George; he came across really well. And I also enjoyed his interactions with Jack. The pacing worked well, too, and I appreciated the gradual shift from fun to horror. The only thing that didn't work for me was the inclusion of a new character in the final two pages. Clearly this is setting up for the next book in what will be, I assume, a series with changing characters. However, the sudden new presence, bearing no relation to what had gone before, was jarring and would, I feel, have been better left out. But that's a minor grip as in all other respects this was an enjoyable read.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley.
May 5, 2020
This was such a fun, entertaining read. Like, I didn't really know what to expect and the beginning left me kind of neutral, but the rest was delightful. It read a bit like a fanfiction, and it's not an insult on my behalf, because I have read fanfictions ten times better than some YA novels these days. It's more in the way it was written, sometimes light and funny, sometimes shockingly dark and heartbreaking. I truly enjoyed it and finished it in an afternoon. I'm not sure yet of whether or not I will read the sequels, because they don't seem to deal with the same characters - but I'm truly willing to give them a chance, as this one was just so refreshing and lovely, I especially loved Jack, the demon, and his constant grumpy attitude. Just. GOLDEN.
December 15, 2018
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
How We Sell Our Souls is a fun and quirky read - more dark humor than darkness. The pacing is a bit off and it felt very much like it was written by a novice writer. But the story had a heart and a soul that was very appealing. George and his friends felt like every friend one has at their age and as a result, the characters connect with the reader immediately.Story: George and his friends stumble out of their sleepy Rhode Island bar late at night, happily drunk after a night of partying to celebrate George's birthday. George is in his late 20s, not sure what he wants to do with his life, but he knows he has the best friends ever. When one has to take care of biological needs, they find a quaint bookstore oddly open for business at that late hour of the night. George finds some curious paperwork in a side room and sees a chart for 'summoning a demon.' It seems so silly that he grabs it and then, on a dare, tries the instructions on the chart. Cue the appearance of demon Jake - a warrior in spirit who spends his time doing paperwork for the demon world. George falls for Jake hard, Jake finds George a curiosity, and multiple summonings ensue. But each summoning has a price and George is enjoying Jake's company far too much to really delve deeper into the darkness that is starting to surround him.
The story is about George winning over Jake while not really asking the price of the summonings. It means a lot of fun days where Jake's grumpiness is completely ignored by George's playful earnestness. They go to amusement parks, dinners in special places, and just get to know each other better. Jake is recalcitrant and doesn't really like humans but is drawn to George's 'devil may care' attitude. Meanwhile, we have side characters introduced who get involved with George due to his frequent summonings and soon George's friends are involved with the supernatural without them understanding why.
The story moves briskly and its affably told story is a nice contrast to the events of the ending. I did not see that ending coming, which is a testament that the story is uniquely different from what I am used to reading. Those expecting horror will be disappointed; this is a quirky piece with sly humor and mostly about the developing relationship between George and Jake. But I greatly enjoyed the pathos here and our everyman characters. I would definitely read another book in the series (which looks likely). Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
July 3, 2019
Huh.
How We Sell Our Souls has a gorgeous cover that doesn't exactly match what's inside.
Or maybe it does.
Either way, it wasn't quite what I expected.
Content warnings include:
It was especially the beginning that surprised me.
George gets drunk with his friends and steals instructions of how to summon a demon. After a friend dares him to, he follows the instructions and, well, summons a demon. Which of course doesn't come without consequences.
George's carelessness with the whole demon summoning surprised me. He references that he only knows demons from pop culture several times, yet at no point does he question what the demon tells him or wonder if he's in danger or what it might entail, regardless of the signs.
Overall the entire book felt like a beginning. When I reached the end I still felt like I had only just started this story, despite How We Sell Our Souls being a full length novel. And while it's clear that more will happen, this particular story arc has definitely reached its close.
I think.
What also surprised me was how this features one of my most hated thing in books ever, which happens to be a major spoiler: Yet somehow here it didn't bother me that much. I think the whole story feeling like it was only just in the starting blocks I wasn't as engaged as I usually would have been.
There is a romantic subplot, but it's... not really there? For the most part of the book I got the impression that the love interest dislikes the protagonist, and I felt vaguely uncomfortable that the protagonist kept contacting the love interest despite him repeatedly saying he wants him to stop. I think it was supposed to come across as "I say I don't like you but actually I do" but that really didn't translate to me. I was thrown when all that swung around into "I've wanted you all along!!!!".
Overall the romance was underwhelming, and part of that was because the characterization wasn't all that well established either.
I had a pleasant enough time reading this, but in hindight it just left me mildly puzzled. I'm curious to see where the worldbuilding is headed, especially with the demons, because there were some cool things hinted at!
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly & voluntarily.
How We Sell Our Souls has a gorgeous cover that doesn't exactly match what's inside.
Or maybe it does.
Either way, it wasn't quite what I expected.
Content warnings include:
It was especially the beginning that surprised me.
George gets drunk with his friends and steals instructions of how to summon a demon. After a friend dares him to, he follows the instructions and, well, summons a demon. Which of course doesn't come without consequences.
George's carelessness with the whole demon summoning surprised me. He references that he only knows demons from pop culture several times, yet at no point does he question what the demon tells him or wonder if he's in danger or what it might entail, regardless of the signs.
Overall the entire book felt like a beginning. When I reached the end I still felt like I had only just started this story, despite How We Sell Our Souls being a full length novel. And while it's clear that more will happen, this particular story arc has definitely reached its close.
I think.
What also surprised me was how this features one of my most hated thing in books ever, which happens to be a major spoiler: Yet somehow here it didn't bother me that much. I think the whole story feeling like it was only just in the starting blocks I wasn't as engaged as I usually would have been.
There is a romantic subplot, but it's... not really there? For the most part of the book I got the impression that the love interest dislikes the protagonist, and I felt vaguely uncomfortable that the protagonist kept contacting the love interest despite him repeatedly saying he wants him to stop. I think it was supposed to come across as "I say I don't like you but actually I do" but that really didn't translate to me. I was thrown when all that swung around into "I've wanted you all along!!!!".
Overall the romance was underwhelming, and part of that was because the characterization wasn't all that well established either.
I had a pleasant enough time reading this, but in hindight it just left me mildly puzzled. I'm curious to see where the worldbuilding is headed, especially with the demons, because there were some cool things hinted at!
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly & voluntarily.
April 19, 2024
So, some of my issues with this book stem from the publisher, NineStar Press, categorizing this as a romance and having a content warning of death of a secondary character on the website. It also mentions in the book that it contains sexual content and death of minor characters.
It’s not a romance, let’s get that straight.
The romance, even as a subplot, is weak. But even if the romance was great, this book is not a romance book. A romance book requires a HEA and that’s kinda hard .
Also, the sex is closed door. So, why are you warning me of sexual content?
Now, not that I have a problem with how this book played out, but don’t tell me it’s a romance and set up those genre expectations only to completely ignore them.
Aside from mislabelling and misleading readers, I have some issues with the book itself.
It’s written in 3rd person, and mostly seems to be limited… but lapses into omniscient. Which was awkward.
The romance isn’t there. And a lot of that is because there is more telling than showing. And the characters really don’t have any character.
Do I like the plot? Yes. I love a demon summoning and the way it ended up I’ll probably mean I’ll eventually read the next book.
Would I recommend this book? Not really. Maybe if I read the whole series, I’ll change my mind on that. But right now? It was a compelling plot that failed in the execution.
It’s not a romance, let’s get that straight.
The romance, even as a subplot, is weak. But even if the romance was great, this book is not a romance book. A romance book requires a HEA and that’s kinda hard .
Also, the sex is closed door. So, why are you warning me of sexual content?
Now, not that I have a problem with how this book played out, but don’t tell me it’s a romance and set up those genre expectations only to completely ignore them.
Aside from mislabelling and misleading readers, I have some issues with the book itself.
It’s written in 3rd person, and mostly seems to be limited… but lapses into omniscient. Which was awkward.
The romance isn’t there. And a lot of that is because there is more telling than showing. And the characters really don’t have any character.
Do I like the plot? Yes. I love a demon summoning and the way it ended up I’ll probably mean I’ll eventually read the next book.
Would I recommend this book? Not really. Maybe if I read the whole series, I’ll change my mind on that. But right now? It was a compelling plot that failed in the execution.
December 1, 2018
I received an arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit I really enjoyed this story. It was definitely not what I thought it was going to be be when I started. I laughed out loud numerous times.
I found George to be an idiot but also delightful. He reminded me of Andy from Parks and Rec. Like you're so dumb but I love you. Why do you never question loving a demon or even conjuring one numerous times? Ever? Sawyer reminded me of a more evil Louis Litt from Suits. I loved Jack he was snarky and mad and I loved his development throughout the whole book. I also enjoyed the Captain America reference.
My only issues with the book was that about 75% in things went nuts. I liked the transition to horror and I get that this is probably a set up for another book, but it was jarring. I also didn't feel like George wasn't sad enough about almost his entire friend group dying. I wanted Jack and George to have their moment...but I felt like he should be sadder? Also OMG at the end I hope the author creates a sequel so she can fix that.
Overall I enjoyed it and I would definitely read a sequel.
I have to admit I really enjoyed this story. It was definitely not what I thought it was going to be be when I started. I laughed out loud numerous times.
I found George to be an idiot but also delightful. He reminded me of Andy from Parks and Rec. Like you're so dumb but I love you. Why do you never question loving a demon or even conjuring one numerous times? Ever? Sawyer reminded me of a more evil Louis Litt from Suits. I loved Jack he was snarky and mad and I loved his development throughout the whole book. I also enjoyed the Captain America reference.
My only issues with the book was that about 75% in things went nuts. I liked the transition to horror and I get that this is probably a set up for another book, but it was jarring. I also didn't feel like George wasn't sad enough about almost his entire friend group dying. I wanted Jack and George to have their moment...but I felt like he should be sadder? Also OMG at the end I hope the author creates a sequel so she can fix that.
Overall I enjoyed it and I would definitely read a sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2018
This was a great book! I really loved the unique plot and the characters were just perfect. Jack is a total Tsundere and who doesn't love George with his persistent ways. Nice easy read with some plot twists. I was very surprised to find out how young the author was and very pleased to find out this story will be continued. I look forward to reading more.
Only thing I was a little disappointed in (and this is different for everyone) is that the what could have been a great sex scene was just skipped right over. Sad pants. But that's what I like to read so no points off for that. The build up totally makes up for it.
Only thing I was a little disappointed in (and this is different for everyone) is that the what could have been a great sex scene was just skipped right over. Sad pants. But that's what I like to read so no points off for that. The build up totally makes up for it.
January 29, 2019
I got an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book and it blew my mind that the author is only 18! Great story about a man who summons a demon as a practical joke and all hell breaks lose.... literally. It’s a story about love, loss, infatuation, demons, spells, and a precious balance that is threatened between realms. I couldn’t help but love George. He’s cute, naive, funny, and just your typical good guy. Don’t even get me started about Jack.
This is the start of a series and I absolutely can’t wait for the second instalment. Please hurry!
I really enjoyed this book and it blew my mind that the author is only 18! Great story about a man who summons a demon as a practical joke and all hell breaks lose.... literally. It’s a story about love, loss, infatuation, demons, spells, and a precious balance that is threatened between realms. I couldn’t help but love George. He’s cute, naive, funny, and just your typical good guy. Don’t even get me started about Jack.
This is the start of a series and I absolutely can’t wait for the second instalment. Please hurry!
July 22, 2019
I read this as a dark comedy and thoroughly enjoyed it! George and Jack are a fairly odd demon couple. I enjoyed their back and forth banter and antics! George seemed all too happy to get demonic assistance, but like all "miracles" it came with a hefty price.
I could not stop laughing all the way through! Very nicely written! The characters had great development, the story line itself had a good arc to it! I look forward to reading more by Emilie Lucadamo! If not to continue the journey them to read a different one! She has a very distinct way of telling a story that sucks you right in!
I could not stop laughing all the way through! Very nicely written! The characters had great development, the story line itself had a good arc to it! I look forward to reading more by Emilie Lucadamo! If not to continue the journey them to read a different one! She has a very distinct way of telling a story that sucks you right in!
May 20, 2019
This trope is always fun to read, and How We Sell Our Souls is no exception. It's a quick and light read, with a few cheesy moments and an abrupt ending, but entertaining nevertheless! I'm curious to see whether George's story is concluded or not.
*I received a free copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.*
*I received a free copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.*
May 29, 2019
This one was pretty good. It could have been way darker though. I can not believe how much this author got into this little story of less than 200 pages. This one reminded me of a young adult story that had demons in the real world and it was pretty good as well. This one for those who are looking for a new paranormal story might want to check it out. The story/world could have used more detail but enough was given so it wasn't bogged down. I will think I will check out book two.
December 13, 2018
Received from Netgalley. I liked how quickly the story got going and although George's enthusiasm and easy going attitude were a bit bewildering to start with, it was entertaining, especially his interactions with Jack. It was a sweet fun little bubble. The bookstore guy needs to keep a better eye on his stuff. Kinda hoping it didn't end.
December 14, 2018
This was such a sad story !! It was really tragic especially towards the end.
On the other hand, the relationship felt a bit farfetched to me, not that believable.
On the other hand, the relationship felt a bit farfetched to me, not that believable.
Read
December 16, 2020dnf
October 12, 2021
Would give this book 0 stars if I could. Needs heavy editing, and I didn’t like any of the characters.
March 25, 2019
This was way better than I expected! George is totaly innocent and complete naive about what he’s doing when he contracts a demon, Jack. Jack is awesome, I loved his personality and he totally grows on you. I loved George and Jack, they are totaly meant for eachother, and I do believe they will be together in the end. I hated the way it ended, but you knew it wasn’t going to be all roses and hearts and I’m going to be holding out for a sequel that will be awesome! This was refreshing and not your usual demon story.
November 22, 2018
I very much enjoyed this story. It felt like one episode of my favourite series Supernatural.
George Soto is a good guy, a normal guy, there is nothing extraordinary about him. But than he summons a demon as a dare. He thinks there are no such things as demons so what’s to lose? But than the unthinkable happens because demons are real. And one appears in his living room. Jack. Funny name for a demon, really. But I’ve grown quite fond of him, of both of them.
I laughed so hard during their conversations. Showing a demon around, familiarizing him with the human world, that’s hilarious.
And than I cried too. Because you just know that there is no way this could end well.
The plot wasn’t complicated, it way easy to follow and kept me interested the whole time. It’s rare to find a book in which there is no boring part and How to sell our souls is one of them.
Thank you NetGalley and NineStar Press for this ARC.
George Soto is a good guy, a normal guy, there is nothing extraordinary about him. But than he summons a demon as a dare. He thinks there are no such things as demons so what’s to lose? But than the unthinkable happens because demons are real. And one appears in his living room. Jack. Funny name for a demon, really. But I’ve grown quite fond of him, of both of them.
I laughed so hard during their conversations. Showing a demon around, familiarizing him with the human world, that’s hilarious.
And than I cried too. Because you just know that there is no way this could end well.
The plot wasn’t complicated, it way easy to follow and kept me interested the whole time. It’s rare to find a book in which there is no boring part and How to sell our souls is one of them.
Thank you NetGalley and NineStar Press for this ARC.
December 4, 2018
I laughed out loud many times while reading this, and had a smile on my face for almost the entirety of the first 75% of the book. George is undeniably an idiot, but he's a lovable idiot. Like a big stupid dog. He was entirely too easy to relate to. The pacing was great, for the first 80% at least. I found the last part to be a bit fast and confusing, but not enough so to ruin my enjoyment of the first part. I was left torn between a fervent need for a sequel and utter confusion as to what particular parts of this book (besides the obvious) would be in the sequel. As much as it wouldn't make sense, I want more George!
December 19, 2018
This book seems to suffer from a bit of an identity/branding issue. The cover and the blurb make the story sound like it's going to be very dark and twisted. It's also listed as a romance so that's what I was expecting going in.
But the reality is much more horror comedy than dark romance since George and Jack spend a lot of time discussing their equally horrible desk jobs and going on pretty mundane dates. In fact, a lot of the early portion of the book reads like a contemporary romance and I started to forget that Jack was even supposed to be a demon, especially given that he's described as a football player type and even carries a (demonic) cell phone.
Maybe if I had known going in that this book wasn't going to be very dark I would have liked it better. It wasn't bad. It's just not at all what I was led to believe it would be.
But the reality is much more horror comedy than dark romance since George and Jack spend a lot of time discussing their equally horrible desk jobs and going on pretty mundane dates. In fact, a lot of the early portion of the book reads like a contemporary romance and I started to forget that Jack was even supposed to be a demon, especially given that he's described as a football player type and even carries a (demonic) cell phone.
Maybe if I had known going in that this book wasn't going to be very dark I would have liked it better. It wasn't bad. It's just not at all what I was led to believe it would be.
January 1, 2019
I enjoyed this a lot more then I thought I would, it was well written and I enjoyed the characters
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher
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