What do you think?
Rate this book
The Devil's Equinox
Austin secretly wishes his wife would drop dead. He even says so one boozy midnight at the bar to a sultry stranger with a mysterious tattoo. When his wife later introduces that stranger as Regina, their new neighbor, Austin hopes she will be a good influence on his wife. Instead, one night he comes home to find his wife dead. Soon he's entranced with Regina, who introduces him to a strange world of bloodletting, rituals and magic. A world that puts everything he loves in peril. Can Austin save his daughter, and himself, before the planets align for the Devil's Equinox? FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
- GenresHorror
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2019
8 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
John Everson
112 books535 followersJohn Everson is a former newspaper reporter who writes thrillers filled with erotic horror and supernatural suspense. He is the author of the Bram Stoker Award winner Covenant, and finalist NightWhere, which reviewers called "50 Shades Meets Hellraiser!" He is also the creator of the characters Danika and Mila Dubov, seen in the Netflix series V-Wars, based on the books created by Jonathan Maberry. Booklist said his recent New Orleans novel, Voodoo Heart, "is a solid blend of supernatural horror and hard-boiled detective fiction, and should appeal to horror devotees as well as mystery buffs” while Living Dead Magazine called him "the master of dark and sexy."
Follow John on the BookBub: John Everson page for information on book sales and new releases as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For information on his fiction, art and music, visit John Everson: Dark Arts at www.johneverson.com.
Follow John on the BookBub: John Everson page for information on book sales and new releases as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For information on his fiction, art and music, visit John Everson: Dark Arts at www.johneverson.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 3, 2019
"Be Careful What You Wish For"
This is a dark and visceral story that will have horror fans sitting back and clapping their hands by the end of this story. John Everson never fails to weave his dark humor into his writing and for that reason among others this book will not disappoint!
The book centers around Austin and Angie who are are married and the proud parents of infant Ceili. Their marriage has been rocky since the the birth of Ceili due to all the hormone changes and exhaustion that come with the responsibility of caring for a newborn. One night Austin is out at his favorite pub after having another argument with Angie and a strikingly attractive woman sits next to him and they end up having a fun and light conversation and Austin complains about his Angie but he is not looking to pick up this woman because he loves his wife but he is enjoying her company and the carefree banter. Close to midnight, Regina tells him to make a wish and he laughingly says he wishes his wife was dead as a bad joke. Austin later finds out that Regina has moved into the house next door and the three of them quickly become friends. Soon after, Austin's world falls apart and unbeknownst to him he finds himself being driven down a road of danger and madness that leads to an ultimately evil climax!
I really enjoyed this book. John Everson has a way of bringing back 80's horror films in his writing and making it fun and current. Austin is a great character, although seemingly shallow, he has good intentions and a profound love for his daughter but he has a terrible track record for making very poor decisions which results in some really bad consequences.
Warning! This book does contain explicit sexual and violent content and may not be suitable for those readers who are easily offended or squeamish!
I want to thank the publisher "Flame Tree Press" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
I highly recommend "The Devil's Equinox" to any horror reader or dark thriller lovers out there!
I have given this book a rating of 4 Devilish 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
This is a dark and visceral story that will have horror fans sitting back and clapping their hands by the end of this story. John Everson never fails to weave his dark humor into his writing and for that reason among others this book will not disappoint!
The book centers around Austin and Angie who are are married and the proud parents of infant Ceili. Their marriage has been rocky since the the birth of Ceili due to all the hormone changes and exhaustion that come with the responsibility of caring for a newborn. One night Austin is out at his favorite pub after having another argument with Angie and a strikingly attractive woman sits next to him and they end up having a fun and light conversation and Austin complains about his Angie but he is not looking to pick up this woman because he loves his wife but he is enjoying her company and the carefree banter. Close to midnight, Regina tells him to make a wish and he laughingly says he wishes his wife was dead as a bad joke. Austin later finds out that Regina has moved into the house next door and the three of them quickly become friends. Soon after, Austin's world falls apart and unbeknownst to him he finds himself being driven down a road of danger and madness that leads to an ultimately evil climax!
I really enjoyed this book. John Everson has a way of bringing back 80's horror films in his writing and making it fun and current. Austin is a great character, although seemingly shallow, he has good intentions and a profound love for his daughter but he has a terrible track record for making very poor decisions which results in some really bad consequences.
Warning! This book does contain explicit sexual and violent content and may not be suitable for those readers who are easily offended or squeamish!
I want to thank the publisher "Flame Tree Press" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
I highly recommend "The Devil's Equinox" to any horror reader or dark thriller lovers out there!
I have given this book a rating of 4 Devilish 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
June 5, 2021
This was a creepy ride into the devil's lair!
A small backstory:
Austin is just tired of his wife, Angie, as she is constantly harping at him. He tells a woman (Regina) in a bar one night that he wished his wife was dead, but when Austin is introduced to the neighbor next door he realizes that it was the same woman from the bar.
When Austin's wife does end up dead, Regina just sweeps in to take care of Austin and his baby daughter. Austin doesn't really want a relationship since his wife just died, but Regina is persistent as she doesn't give him an opportunity to say "no" as she practically moves in with him. What Austin doesn't know is that Regina has "devilish" plans for not only him but his baby daughter and she will do anything to fulfill her plan.
Who is Regina? What are her plans for Austin and the baby? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
Thoughts:
This book was filled with dread and tons of erotic horror as Regina leads Austin down a road of devil worship.
The story made me think of Regina as a spider and she weaved a web of deceit, pulling Austin into her web then slowly dragging him along the spider web to be devoured into her world of deception.
Author, John Everson, went deep into the bowels of hell with this book and the writing style just flows along at a crisp, fast pace! Giving this book four "Devilish" stars!
A small backstory:
Austin is just tired of his wife, Angie, as she is constantly harping at him. He tells a woman (Regina) in a bar one night that he wished his wife was dead, but when Austin is introduced to the neighbor next door he realizes that it was the same woman from the bar.
When Austin's wife does end up dead, Regina just sweeps in to take care of Austin and his baby daughter. Austin doesn't really want a relationship since his wife just died, but Regina is persistent as she doesn't give him an opportunity to say "no" as she practically moves in with him. What Austin doesn't know is that Regina has "devilish" plans for not only him but his baby daughter and she will do anything to fulfill her plan.
Who is Regina? What are her plans for Austin and the baby? No spoilers here as you will just have to read the book!
Thoughts:
This book was filled with dread and tons of erotic horror as Regina leads Austin down a road of devil worship.
The story made me think of Regina as a spider and she weaved a web of deceit, pulling Austin into her web then slowly dragging him along the spider web to be devoured into her world of deception.
Author, John Everson, went deep into the bowels of hell with this book and the writing style just flows along at a crisp, fast pace! Giving this book four "Devilish" stars!
November 2, 2019
John Everson has writing talent, there is no doubt about it. He broke into the horror world with Covenant years back and won the Bram Stoker award for a reason. This book was good. It is definitely graphic, and although at times it becomes a bit repetitive, the overall pacing and the development of the plot keeps the story moving. The author's skill is in plot development. the character building is decent, although it is not his strong suit. The emphasis in writing novels today is on character, and normally I agree. Character driven novel that are well done can make even a familiar plot seem original. Plot driven novels often lose something in the translation from the mind of the author to the reader, at least in terms of transmitting an overall artistic idea.
This book is not pretentious- it doesn't pretend to house any great cosmic truths. It is simply a story of a man struggling against a hyper sexualized and violent form of Satanism. It worked for me, however. The suspense builds nicely, and Everson knows how to ratchet suspense. He spins the story out seamlessly; he is a practiced writer and it shows. He knows how to make each scene blend with the next and leave the reader wondering what great horror is around the next corner. At some point, very close to the end, the book takes on shades of been there done that. It is a fun read as long as you take it for what it is- a violent incursion into a world that I would have no interest in visiting in real life, but through the eyes of the author it is at times gripping.
Four stars.
This book is not pretentious- it doesn't pretend to house any great cosmic truths. It is simply a story of a man struggling against a hyper sexualized and violent form of Satanism. It worked for me, however. The suspense builds nicely, and Everson knows how to ratchet suspense. He spins the story out seamlessly; he is a practiced writer and it shows. He knows how to make each scene blend with the next and leave the reader wondering what great horror is around the next corner. At some point, very close to the end, the book takes on shades of been there done that. It is a fun read as long as you take it for what it is- a violent incursion into a world that I would have no interest in visiting in real life, but through the eyes of the author it is at times gripping.
Four stars.
June 10, 2019
Be careful what you wish for. Not because you just might get it, but because you may not have the stomach to fork over the price of that wish being granted.
Austin is miserable in his marriage. Half the time his wife is giving him the silent treatment and the rest of the time he probably wishes she would instead of picking at everything he does. Who could blame him for spending more time at the bar since he dreads gong home?
When he meets Regina, a seductive stranger on one such night and tells her he wishes his wife would die, he doesn't really expect it to happen. When it does, his wildest nightmares could not have conjured the price he is expected to pay for this favor. Regina has friends in low places and Austin will have a hell of a time when they come to collect.
I received an advance copy for review.
Austin is miserable in his marriage. Half the time his wife is giving him the silent treatment and the rest of the time he probably wishes she would instead of picking at everything he does. Who could blame him for spending more time at the bar since he dreads gong home?
When he meets Regina, a seductive stranger on one such night and tells her he wishes his wife would die, he doesn't really expect it to happen. When it does, his wildest nightmares could not have conjured the price he is expected to pay for this favor. Regina has friends in low places and Austin will have a hell of a time when they come to collect.
I received an advance copy for review.
June 13, 2019
3 and 1/2 stars
I enjoyed this one. I wasn’t wowed by it but I had a good time. Took a while before things really started going, though, but once it did, it was bloody enough fun. This sexually-charged tale of witchcraft and the man who suffers from it is overall well-handled and intriguing but a bit superficial as there is little character development. I would have liked to have an even better understanding of this lost man, a widower with child, who comes to regret his decision of hooking up with his goth-like sexy neighbour. Heck, I would have even enjoyed reading more about this antagonist, a woman who seems, alas, to exist solely for shock values. As is, THE DEVIL'S EQUINOX ends up feeling more like an episodic erotica performance with in-your-face gore as the money shot. Still, I will certainly have another go at this author since B-movie like novels like this one always intrigue me. If Ketchum can do it with OFF SEASON I see no reason why others, like Everson here, can’t. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
I enjoyed this one. I wasn’t wowed by it but I had a good time. Took a while before things really started going, though, but once it did, it was bloody enough fun. This sexually-charged tale of witchcraft and the man who suffers from it is overall well-handled and intriguing but a bit superficial as there is little character development. I would have liked to have an even better understanding of this lost man, a widower with child, who comes to regret his decision of hooking up with his goth-like sexy neighbour. Heck, I would have even enjoyed reading more about this antagonist, a woman who seems, alas, to exist solely for shock values. As is, THE DEVIL'S EQUINOX ends up feeling more like an episodic erotica performance with in-your-face gore as the money shot. Still, I will certainly have another go at this author since B-movie like novels like this one always intrigue me. If Ketchum can do it with OFF SEASON I see no reason why others, like Everson here, can’t. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
May 31, 2021
If I want to be seriously creeped out, I turn to John Everson. Not only does he know how to scare, he knows how to get under your skin, and twist. He continues the twisting, sometimes just a tiny bit only to be followed by the turning of a power-drill. The great thing about John Everson is he is consistent, and please do not confuse consistent with predictable. He is FAR from predictable. The Devil’s Equinox is proof of my statement.
Austin is a man who enters his favorite watering hole after a fight with his wife. If there is any constant in his life, aside from the constant arguments, it is the bartender knows exactly what he wants, and has it ready as he walks through the door. The bartender does his thing of “what’s going on, pal?” and Austin starts to tell him his tale of woe. A beautiful stranger sits next to Austin, and strikes up a conversation. The cuckoo clock starts to strike midnight. “Make a wish.” the stranger tells Austin. “Make a wish before the clock stops and it will come true.” She presses Austin for the wish and the first thing that comes out of his mouth is “I wish my wife was dead.”
This wish sets off a series of events that will forever alter Austin’s life. He finds out the girl in the bar is his neighbor, who introduces herself to Austin’s wife and insinuates herself into their lives, right down to taking care of their daughter, Ceili. Austin’s wish does come true, and the woman from the bar, insinuates deeper into Austin’s life, and bed. What happens next can only be described as a crazy rollercoaster ride on the fringes of Hell, and Austin’s feet are getting hot. From fantastic sex, to a club/cult that encourages everything sexual, evil, and bizarre, to the abduction of his child with the intent of sacrifice at the Devil’s Equinox so the cult can gain power, the question becomes “Can Austin get himself and his daughter out in time?”
If you ascribe to any Christian inclinations, this book with give you the serious heebie-jeebies. You will question why you are continuing to read it as you get deeper in. The problem (not much of one but beat with me) is that Everson takes you by the hand, then grabs you by the back of the neck and makes you watch what is going to unfold. And he pulls no punches. In fact, he continues to punch and punch and punch….and I looked forward to those punches.
I give this 5 enthusiastic bookmarks out of 5!!!!!
Austin is a man who enters his favorite watering hole after a fight with his wife. If there is any constant in his life, aside from the constant arguments, it is the bartender knows exactly what he wants, and has it ready as he walks through the door. The bartender does his thing of “what’s going on, pal?” and Austin starts to tell him his tale of woe. A beautiful stranger sits next to Austin, and strikes up a conversation. The cuckoo clock starts to strike midnight. “Make a wish.” the stranger tells Austin. “Make a wish before the clock stops and it will come true.” She presses Austin for the wish and the first thing that comes out of his mouth is “I wish my wife was dead.”
This wish sets off a series of events that will forever alter Austin’s life. He finds out the girl in the bar is his neighbor, who introduces herself to Austin’s wife and insinuates herself into their lives, right down to taking care of their daughter, Ceili. Austin’s wish does come true, and the woman from the bar, insinuates deeper into Austin’s life, and bed. What happens next can only be described as a crazy rollercoaster ride on the fringes of Hell, and Austin’s feet are getting hot. From fantastic sex, to a club/cult that encourages everything sexual, evil, and bizarre, to the abduction of his child with the intent of sacrifice at the Devil’s Equinox so the cult can gain power, the question becomes “Can Austin get himself and his daughter out in time?”
If you ascribe to any Christian inclinations, this book with give you the serious heebie-jeebies. You will question why you are continuing to read it as you get deeper in. The problem (not much of one but beat with me) is that Everson takes you by the hand, then grabs you by the back of the neck and makes you watch what is going to unfold. And he pulls no punches. In fact, he continues to punch and punch and punch….and I looked forward to those punches.
I give this 5 enthusiastic bookmarks out of 5!!!!!
August 9, 2020
DAMN!! Everson has done it again!! Another 5 star read for me!
Check out my AreYouIntoHorror video review of this book here:
https://youtu.be/oGczDHl4ZYE
Okay, i remember reading 'Rosemary's Baby' in like 1973 at the height of the Devil's Baby and Possession summer that year. Well, this book makes 'Rosemarys' look like Charlie Brown or Snow White! I dont know why i said 'Charlie Brown!'? This has got to be one of, if NOT the scariest book about a cult of Satanists and Witches that I have ever read. Yes, Everson HAS become one of my most favorite 'Newer Horror Authors' that i have recently been reading and this is the reason why! After absolutely going fucking crazy over his 'House By The Cemetery' I saw this one and it sounded like; okay, this could either be a total ripoff of something else or could be super gross, scary and disturbing as HELL! No pun intended with the use of Hell! It was all the way the second choice!
I wanted to just tell you all something.....NEVER wish for something that you are going to regret later, while sitting next to a gorgeous Witch in a quiet bar at Midnight!!!! I know that sounded kitschey but it works totally perfect and this book will scare and disgust the shit out of you! So, Austin, a young and new father to a beautiful 8 month old daughter Celie, and husband to Angie...(who is suffering badly with Post partum depression and is a total bitch) goes in to his local bar one Monday night after work to have a 'quick beer or two' well, that beer leads to him still there at 11:45 p.m. That is when Regina, and beautifully seductive long brunette haired woman walks in and takes a seat at the bar, four stools down from Austin. As she listens to Austin state to the bartender 'Angie has just become a total bitch and i just want to take Celie and leave!' that is when Regina speaks up with 'oh, sounds like someone needs an exit ticket out!'. They introduce themselves to each other, and get ready for HELL to erupt and spew its dominions of evil! Austins life will NEVER be the same after this meeting. So, now it is 1 min to midnight, and Regina states, something about it being almost the 'Witching Hour' and Austin says, 'I dont believe in that shit', well she responds with 'So, let's just say if you did, and you had 1 wish in the world that could come true, what would it be?' Well, this is where he fucks up royally......... 'Well, as of right now anyway, I wish my wife would up and just fucking DIE!' That is all Regina needed to hear. Get ready for a slam bang, Satan worshipping, cult of witches, eaters of infant children and the Devils disciples to invade your Nightmares! Yes, this book is non stop disgust!!!
There is a scene in this book that will literally turn your stomach SICK with visual disgust, and if it does not, YOU are sick! Let's just say it involves a 'woman full of a man's seed after multi orgasms' and a naked woman with a Silver Spoon.....! Use your imagination.
This book is ExTREME horror and not for the faint of heart or stomach.
Check out my AreYouIntoHorror video review of this book here:
https://youtu.be/oGczDHl4ZYE
Okay, i remember reading 'Rosemary's Baby' in like 1973 at the height of the Devil's Baby and Possession summer that year. Well, this book makes 'Rosemarys' look like Charlie Brown or Snow White! I dont know why i said 'Charlie Brown!'? This has got to be one of, if NOT the scariest book about a cult of Satanists and Witches that I have ever read. Yes, Everson HAS become one of my most favorite 'Newer Horror Authors' that i have recently been reading and this is the reason why! After absolutely going fucking crazy over his 'House By The Cemetery' I saw this one and it sounded like; okay, this could either be a total ripoff of something else or could be super gross, scary and disturbing as HELL! No pun intended with the use of Hell! It was all the way the second choice!
I wanted to just tell you all something.....NEVER wish for something that you are going to regret later, while sitting next to a gorgeous Witch in a quiet bar at Midnight!!!! I know that sounded kitschey but it works totally perfect and this book will scare and disgust the shit out of you! So, Austin, a young and new father to a beautiful 8 month old daughter Celie, and husband to Angie...(who is suffering badly with Post partum depression and is a total bitch) goes in to his local bar one Monday night after work to have a 'quick beer or two' well, that beer leads to him still there at 11:45 p.m. That is when Regina, and beautifully seductive long brunette haired woman walks in and takes a seat at the bar, four stools down from Austin. As she listens to Austin state to the bartender 'Angie has just become a total bitch and i just want to take Celie and leave!' that is when Regina speaks up with 'oh, sounds like someone needs an exit ticket out!'. They introduce themselves to each other, and get ready for HELL to erupt and spew its dominions of evil! Austins life will NEVER be the same after this meeting. So, now it is 1 min to midnight, and Regina states, something about it being almost the 'Witching Hour' and Austin says, 'I dont believe in that shit', well she responds with 'So, let's just say if you did, and you had 1 wish in the world that could come true, what would it be?' Well, this is where he fucks up royally......... 'Well, as of right now anyway, I wish my wife would up and just fucking DIE!' That is all Regina needed to hear. Get ready for a slam bang, Satan worshipping, cult of witches, eaters of infant children and the Devils disciples to invade your Nightmares! Yes, this book is non stop disgust!!!
There is a scene in this book that will literally turn your stomach SICK with visual disgust, and if it does not, YOU are sick! Let's just say it involves a 'woman full of a man's seed after multi orgasms' and a naked woman with a Silver Spoon.....! Use your imagination.
This book is ExTREME horror and not for the faint of heart or stomach.
January 13, 2019
I’m the first to review this one and honestly wish I had nicer things to say. But then again, reviewer’s integrity and all that. So..Pick up a sort of book you used to like reading years ago and see if it still appeals. It’s fascinating to see how one’s tastes change and mature. But change and mature they do and, as such, crap like Devil’s Equinox no longer works. And I know for a fact it isn’t Everson, it’s definitely me. John Everson has always wrote books just like this, erotic scary stories, albeit this is still substandard even for him, because it’s neither erotic nor scary, nor really. Just some trite tale of devil worshippers, witches and one idiot man, who cries way too much and thinks way not enough or at least not with his upstairs brain. Or your basic story of a boy meets girl who is way too good to be true and finds out she’s a witch who wants his baby for a ritual. And mind you I didn’t expect a tour de force or even something especially literary, Everson seems to have hit his comfort level and either can’t or won’t rise above and that probably works for him, he’s been around and has his fans and that’s all ok, but this was just dumb. Not mindless, mindless is ok, but intelligence insulting. And while I may no longer read all that many horrific stories, when I do, I still have some standards. Plus Flame Tree has been putting out considerably superior genre books. This is definitely toward their lower bracket. Very cheap, cheap thrills, cheap sex. If you’re in a mood for schlock, this is it. Quick read, at least, but as it progressed, my opinion of it went down, so it was like a countdown, initially 3, then down to 2 and the ending brought it down to 1. Not to say there isn’t a readership for this out there, but definitely didn’t work for me. Thanks Netgalley.
July 20, 2019
Austin secretly wishes his wife would drop dead. He even says so one boozy midnight at the bar to a sultry stranger with a mysterious tattoo. When his wife later introduces that stranger as Regina, their new neighbor, Austin hopes she will be a good influence on his wife. Instead, one night he comes home to find his wife dead. Soon he's entranced with Regina, who introduces him to a strange world of bloodletting, rituals and magic. A world that puts everything he loves in peril. Can Austin save his daughter, and himself, before the planets align for the Devil's Equinox? This book does contain explicit sexual and violent content and may not be suitable for those readers who are easily offended or squeamish!
This book is fast paced and hooked me from the first page right up to the unexpected ending. The characters are relatable and the settings are vivid, and there was a dark and creepy mood throughout the book. This author's descriptions are very detailed, but not long winded. I loved the storyline...man loses his wife and falls for the neighbor who's helping him, but Regina has plans that Austin would never imagine. Austin is a great character, although he is very shallow, he has good intentions and a profound love for his daughter but he makes some terrible decisions.
The club, Equinox, that Regina takes him to is definitely an extreme place to go! It may start out as a dance club but the further in you go the more secrets are reveled. From BDSM to a room where you can eat whatever you want and however much you want, strange alcoholic beverages, and a dark church. I thought the author was trying for a seven deadly sins theme with the club but it didn't seem to continue that way. This is definitely a disturbing place to want to hang out.
I really liked this book, it had the right mixture of dark magic and suspense. The diversity of things that went on at the club were mind boggling. This author weaves together a lot of great elements into a pulse pounding story. The only problem I had with this book is that i wanted more, I want to read more about Equinox... hopefully the author has more planned at the club. I highly recommend The Devil's Equinox to any horror reader or dark thriller lovers out there!
This book is fast paced and hooked me from the first page right up to the unexpected ending. The characters are relatable and the settings are vivid, and there was a dark and creepy mood throughout the book. This author's descriptions are very detailed, but not long winded. I loved the storyline...man loses his wife and falls for the neighbor who's helping him, but Regina has plans that Austin would never imagine. Austin is a great character, although he is very shallow, he has good intentions and a profound love for his daughter but he makes some terrible decisions.
The club, Equinox, that Regina takes him to is definitely an extreme place to go! It may start out as a dance club but the further in you go the more secrets are reveled. From BDSM to a room where you can eat whatever you want and however much you want, strange alcoholic beverages, and a dark church. I thought the author was trying for a seven deadly sins theme with the club but it didn't seem to continue that way. This is definitely a disturbing place to want to hang out.
I really liked this book, it had the right mixture of dark magic and suspense. The diversity of things that went on at the club were mind boggling. This author weaves together a lot of great elements into a pulse pounding story. The only problem I had with this book is that i wanted more, I want to read more about Equinox... hopefully the author has more planned at the club. I highly recommend The Devil's Equinox to any horror reader or dark thriller lovers out there!
July 10, 2019
I received a copy The Devil’s Equinox by John Everson from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I first became acquainted with the writing of John Everson with his early works—Sacrifice and Covenant, both of which I enjoyed very much. If Everson were in a high school English class he would be sitting in the back row with Brian Keene and Edward Lee and other edgy horror writers. The rough crowd. He is not fully splatter punk but he isn’t main stream either. You need to know that going in before you read The Devil’s Equinox because if you are a person who gets offended then you WILL get offended, triggered, or whatever they call it nowadays—especially if sacrilegious imagery is offensive to you. Everson is R rated horror—not made for TV/PG-13 “safe-zone” supernatural material.
Ok, you have been warned, so let’s proceed.
Reviews are all over the map with this one, which is to be expected. This novel has its fans to be sure. I didn’t enjoy The Devil’s Equinox as much as either Covenant or Sacrifice. Those stories were cursed town stories and I just love those. I also found the characters more compelling. I also may be a different reader than I was years ago when I read those earlier works. I like Everson—he is a talented writer—but this one just didn’t do it for me. The story was too linear, involving only a few characters and locations, and was really a very simple plot driven novel with no real depth. I found the characters, with one exception which I will get to later, to be very one dimensional and not realistic at all. The protagonist was particularly weak. The story line has been told many times and didn’t have anything new going on until the very end, which saved this novel for me and added a point to bring it up to 3 stars.
There was one character that I really enjoyed but I don’t want to spoil it for the reader. She is the only really supernatural character in the novel, because she is dead, and provides a similar role of spirit guide as Griffin Dunne’s character in American Werewolf in London. She steals every scene she is in and creates a really good ending. That’s all I will say.
3 stars.
I first became acquainted with the writing of John Everson with his early works—Sacrifice and Covenant, both of which I enjoyed very much. If Everson were in a high school English class he would be sitting in the back row with Brian Keene and Edward Lee and other edgy horror writers. The rough crowd. He is not fully splatter punk but he isn’t main stream either. You need to know that going in before you read The Devil’s Equinox because if you are a person who gets offended then you WILL get offended, triggered, or whatever they call it nowadays—especially if sacrilegious imagery is offensive to you. Everson is R rated horror—not made for TV/PG-13 “safe-zone” supernatural material.
Ok, you have been warned, so let’s proceed.
Reviews are all over the map with this one, which is to be expected. This novel has its fans to be sure. I didn’t enjoy The Devil’s Equinox as much as either Covenant or Sacrifice. Those stories were cursed town stories and I just love those. I also found the characters more compelling. I also may be a different reader than I was years ago when I read those earlier works. I like Everson—he is a talented writer—but this one just didn’t do it for me. The story was too linear, involving only a few characters and locations, and was really a very simple plot driven novel with no real depth. I found the characters, with one exception which I will get to later, to be very one dimensional and not realistic at all. The protagonist was particularly weak. The story line has been told many times and didn’t have anything new going on until the very end, which saved this novel for me and added a point to bring it up to 3 stars.
There was one character that I really enjoyed but I don’t want to spoil it for the reader. She is the only really supernatural character in the novel, because she is dead, and provides a similar role of spirit guide as Griffin Dunne’s character in American Werewolf in London. She steals every scene she is in and creates a really good ending. That’s all I will say.
3 stars.
March 4, 2019
There was this glorious period in horror history during which The Devil (caps firmly intended) was everywhere. From Rosemary’s Baby to The Devil’s Cat by Johnstone to weird movies starring Ernest Borgnine dressed in a black robe muttering something in Latin.
With The Devil’s Equinox, John Everson brings us back to that glorious time when over-the-top deviltry was fun. And fun it is!
Now, I do warn you that it’s gruesome. You’ve got sex, perversions of all kinds, and blood! If you aren’t into things that get…graphic…you might try a different book.
And, usually, I’m not really fond of main characters who get into a world of trouble by thinking with their ‘little heads’ rather than actual brains, but I liked this guy.
This one was a lot of fun!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
With The Devil’s Equinox, John Everson brings us back to that glorious time when over-the-top deviltry was fun. And fun it is!
Now, I do warn you that it’s gruesome. You’ve got sex, perversions of all kinds, and blood! If you aren’t into things that get…graphic…you might try a different book.
And, usually, I’m not really fond of main characters who get into a world of trouble by thinking with their ‘little heads’ rather than actual brains, but I liked this guy.
This one was a lot of fun!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
July 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Immediately the beginning was something I could relate to, forbidden thoughts/wishes spoken aloud with the temptation of sex. I enjoyed the journey and the descriptions of the dark world that John Everson created. Speaking of, John, dude, these clubs down in Naperville, can you get me there?? I don't have kids but I'll have some for whatever Dark Eye ceremony you need!! I only wish for a more bleaker ending with the "bad girl" winning. Kinda feel it's open for a sequel for sure, it would be interesting to see what that would bring. Liked this book a lot and look forward to everything John writes.
July 1, 2019
3.5 Starts rounded up to 4
I enjoyed this book, the writing and imagery were fantastic. As I said I read it in no time, I was so intrigued to see what would happen next!
If you like a classic Cult/Coven type read and you don’t blush easily this is definitely one for the to be read list!
Check out my full review here :) http://darkreads.blog/2019/07/01/blog...
I enjoyed this book, the writing and imagery were fantastic. As I said I read it in no time, I was so intrigued to see what would happen next!
If you like a classic Cult/Coven type read and you don’t blush easily this is definitely one for the to be read list!
Check out my full review here :) http://darkreads.blog/2019/07/01/blog...
June 12, 2019
A decent read. Definitely a dark devilish tale.
March 19, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but not my first book of horror. I’ve read some of the other reviews, and have looked through his author’s profile. I see that he is a Bram Stoker Award recipient. Maybe it is because of this—and the number of books that he has written—that I expected a better book. One that didn’t repeat the same phrases, scenes, and explanations page after page after page. One that didn’t rely on the main character living in a vacuum, and for the reader to rely on their own assumptions to fill in the voids.
June 13, 2020
Constantly delivering, John Everson has all the goods here. A very good horrorific tale.
January 17, 2019
These "villains" really believe--and that's what is so scary. Not the hangers-on, those folks who just participate at Club Equinox for the orgies and BDSM and funky alcoholic concoctions and the pleasure of perversions--but the inner core, the real "bad guys," the ones who quite literally will stop at nothing to obtain the Power. Those are terrifying. Fanatics always are.
John Everson's newest novel is so powerful, so terrifying, so implacable in the evil it describes, that I could not stop reading. I'm not sure which terrified me more, the implacable fanaticism of the believers--or the ending. Just when you thought it was safe----. What a conclusion!
Austin is a Marketing Manager in a quiet, laidback, community in Central Illinois. He is married to a woman he once deeply cherished, and the father of a beloved infant daughter (approaching toddler age, but not yet walking). He and wife Angie just don't get along any more, or perhaps Angie is just contemptuous of him. At any rate, Austin makes an enormous error; drinking at his hquiet local, he tells a stranger, at midnight, he wishes his wife would die. If that resulted in the Devil taking Austin's soul, that would be one consequence, and perhaps understandable. But Austin, in his alcoholic fog and lust and thoughtlessness, embarks on a course which will damage not only him, but those he holds dear. A foolish "wish" which immediately becomes a horrifying lesson in "Be careful what you wish for."
John Everson's newest novel is so powerful, so terrifying, so implacable in the evil it describes, that I could not stop reading. I'm not sure which terrified me more, the implacable fanaticism of the believers--or the ending. Just when you thought it was safe----. What a conclusion!
Austin is a Marketing Manager in a quiet, laidback, community in Central Illinois. He is married to a woman he once deeply cherished, and the father of a beloved infant daughter (approaching toddler age, but not yet walking). He and wife Angie just don't get along any more, or perhaps Angie is just contemptuous of him. At any rate, Austin makes an enormous error; drinking at his hquiet local, he tells a stranger, at midnight, he wishes his wife would die. If that resulted in the Devil taking Austin's soul, that would be one consequence, and perhaps understandable. But Austin, in his alcoholic fog and lust and thoughtlessness, embarks on a course which will damage not only him, but those he holds dear. A foolish "wish" which immediately becomes a horrifying lesson in "Be careful what you wish for."
September 28, 2019
This a book made for this fall season, especially for the upcoming month of October. This author has a way of taking ordinary occurrences and making scary stories out of them. In this story, we have a couple, Austin and Angie, who have a young baby, and are living in a small town Parkville, which they had only moved to barely a year ago. Austin is the sole income earner of the family and Angie is the stay at home wife. Both miss the carefree life they had prior to have their child, Ceili. After having another one of their usual arguments, Austin has left the house to nurse his "wounds" at the local bar, so he has a few drinks which make him woozy. While doing so, a woman named Regina approaches him and askes him if he had a wish to make when the midnight bells start tolling. Because he is so woozy, he burbs out that he wishes his wife was dead, but immediately regrets making the comment. A few days later this same woman is at his house when he comes home from work and appears as if she and his wife have become best buddies. She gives the story about being their new neighbor at the house next door and then offers to babysit if they need one. Immediately his wife takes her up on that offer and the two of them go out that weekend but it doesn't turn out to be a pleasant outing. Less than a week later, Austin decides to delay going home and goes to the bar to both drink and get a bite to eat, to avoid dealing with his wife's moodiness, plus hoping secretly to meet up with Regina. When he gets home, the house is very quiet. He starts walking around the house and finds his wife laying on the bottom of the stairs dead. He rushes up to the nursery in a panic to check on Ceili and finds her sleeping soundly. He picks her up and goes downstairs to call the police. After the body has left with the police, Regina shows up to offer "comfort" and help. She becomes the lifeline as he tries to manage as a single father with a full-time job. Sorry, but I had little sympathy, for his problems adjusting as most women do this all the time. Eventually, Regina becomes integrated totally into his life and starts to live with him as if they were a couple. She suggested they go on a date, which they do and she provides the babysitter, a woman called Brandy. The next time she asks if she can take him to a "real" club, which he immediately agrees to, but gets leery when she tells him after dinner, he needs to be blindfolded on the drive there, but he goes anyway. In fact, they come back to this "club" frequently. Austin is not fully comfortable participating in the activities in this "club" but goes along to please Regina, plus the fact that he is unknowingly being drugged to go along. But when Regina makes him participate in a ceremony that forces him in a drugged state to kill another, he tells her later that he's done with this. Regina comes to him at his house and tells him that he has no choice and he needs to pay the price for the granting of his wish to see his wife dead. The price is the sacrifice of his daughter on the Devil's Equinix--a blood moon.
The rest of the story is what he does to prevent this, which includes his "supposed" dead wife. The ending page will grab you. Good reading.
The rest of the story is what he does to prevent this, which includes his "supposed" dead wife. The ending page will grab you. Good reading.
August 16, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley & Flame Tree Press for providing me with a copy of The Devil's Equinox in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings: A lot of sex (definitely NSFW), Pedophilia/Child Molestation
The Devil’s Equinox by John Everson is a book that, once I finished, I had to let sit for a day to figure out exactly how I felt. It, without a doubt, did it’s job in terms of being disturbing & causing me to cringe. & I mean that in the best & horrific way possible. Seeing as this is a novel in the horror genre, I 100% want to cringe while reading.
Right off the bat, I was intrigued by Austin & his want for his wife’s death. This is definitely a be careful what you wish for tale, and I’ve always been a sucker for those. I’ve read a few reviews saying that it starts off slow & I do agree, but it’s actually the beginning that held my attention.
The Devil’s Equinox takes you into Club Equinox; a place where people indulge in their pleasures. Some participate in gluttony, while others are participating in very sexual acts. The Devil’s Equinox definitely had Hellraiser vibes & I kept imagining the characters saying, “What’s your pleasure, sir?”
I didn’t feel too uncomfortable reading these scenes, but at times, it did feel like some were written just for shock value. Such as a certain reveal in the last quarter of the read.
For me, I had more enjoyment reading this book for the first half & then I just wanted it to end. Austin’s journey to get to his daughter felt like a drag. Once I headed closer to the conclusion, my attention & enjoyment did make a return.
If you don’t get uncomfortable easy & can handle sexual themes, you may absolutely love this book. For me, The Devil’s Equinox was just average. I didn’t dislike it, but I wouldn’t consider it a favorite.
Content Warnings: A lot of sex (definitely NSFW), Pedophilia/Child Molestation
The Devil’s Equinox by John Everson is a book that, once I finished, I had to let sit for a day to figure out exactly how I felt. It, without a doubt, did it’s job in terms of being disturbing & causing me to cringe. & I mean that in the best & horrific way possible. Seeing as this is a novel in the horror genre, I 100% want to cringe while reading.
Right off the bat, I was intrigued by Austin & his want for his wife’s death. This is definitely a be careful what you wish for tale, and I’ve always been a sucker for those. I’ve read a few reviews saying that it starts off slow & I do agree, but it’s actually the beginning that held my attention.
The Devil’s Equinox takes you into Club Equinox; a place where people indulge in their pleasures. Some participate in gluttony, while others are participating in very sexual acts. The Devil’s Equinox definitely had Hellraiser vibes & I kept imagining the characters saying, “What’s your pleasure, sir?”
I didn’t feel too uncomfortable reading these scenes, but at times, it did feel like some were written just for shock value. Such as a certain reveal in the last quarter of the read.
For me, I had more enjoyment reading this book for the first half & then I just wanted it to end. Austin’s journey to get to his daughter felt like a drag. Once I headed closer to the conclusion, my attention & enjoyment did make a return.
If you don’t get uncomfortable easy & can handle sexual themes, you may absolutely love this book. For me, The Devil’s Equinox was just average. I didn’t dislike it, but I wouldn’t consider it a favorite.
August 21, 2019
‘The Devil’s Equinox’ is a horror novel with a lot of sex in it. I’m not sure I’d describe it as erotic, but it’s certainly dirty. The plot is slight, protagonist Austin has a shrewish wife and a newborn baby. He meets a sexy woman in a bar, who grants him his most longed for wish, freedom from his wife. Naturally this comes at a cost, but not before Austin gets indicted into the mysterious club his new friend is a member of.
It’s all a bit like on of Dennis Wheatley’s books, but set in contemporary America. There’s lots of bad sex and devil worship and human sacrifice and blah blah blah.
The book is readable but never really interesting, the sex takes up too many of the pages and with a couple of exceptions the horror is dull. I did like the ending though.
It’s all a bit like on of Dennis Wheatley’s books, but set in contemporary America. There’s lots of bad sex and devil worship and human sacrifice and blah blah blah.
The book is readable but never really interesting, the sex takes up too many of the pages and with a couple of exceptions the horror is dull. I did like the ending though.
May 12, 2019
Back in the 80's, (I started reading in 1983), there was a massive horror boom of which I have a massive collection of horror novels. My favourites were the 'satanic' and the 'slasher' novels. Ultimately, they still are.
The Devil's Equinox by John Everson brought back many a fond memory of my early teenage years.
Dark, mysterious, brooding and kinky are my descriptive words for this little gem of a book.
If you're into the horror genre or are simply looking for something dark to read, this comes highly recommended. Not perfect, but it certainly gave me the escapism I needed for several days whilst reading it.
Sacrificing Virgins, the short story collection by John Everson, also comes highly recommended.
Thank you Flame Tree Press for the advanced readers copy.
The Devil's Equinox by John Everson brought back many a fond memory of my early teenage years.
Dark, mysterious, brooding and kinky are my descriptive words for this little gem of a book.
If you're into the horror genre or are simply looking for something dark to read, this comes highly recommended. Not perfect, but it certainly gave me the escapism I needed for several days whilst reading it.
Sacrificing Virgins, the short story collection by John Everson, also comes highly recommended.
Thank you Flame Tree Press for the advanced readers copy.
August 6, 2019
Excellent page turning novel of occult terror. Austin makes a drunken wish to a woman he's just met at a bar. After his wife dies, he becomes completely enthralled until he realizes what the woman, Regina, expects him to sacrifice for her. I found it hard to put this book down. Highly recommended.
April 25, 2019
Bloody hell (pun intended)
Time to digest and then review to come on www.scifiandscary.com
Time to digest and then review to come on www.scifiandscary.com
April 26, 2019
4.75
❝If you’re living like life is over then you might as well be six feet underground
We follow Austin a man who one day wishes his wife would just die but sooner than later he will learn that wishes sometimes can be deadly.
This is the first book I’ve ever read by John Everson and I must say he did not disappoint, I have always loved the concept of witches but it is always done so lightly which isn’t a bad thing but it always leaves me wanting more and THAT Everson delivered. This book explores the dark side of the human mind, how easily a human can be perverted, persuaded etc. as well as magic, the power of words and the occult.
❝How easy a man is to deceive when a woman is involved
Yes our main character might not be the brightest of the bunch but that is what makes this novel so much more fun to read. Although flawed I appreciated that Austin was consistent throughout the book, not every character needs to develop into a redeemable human or become something that they are not just for the sake of the reader. Nothing was handed over to Austin on a silver plate and that was refreshing to see.
I did find some random inconsistencies throughout the book which were minor such as a baby being on the floor one second and the next it being on a chair, as well as mixed names at the beginning but that might be changed once the book is published.
I am going to close this up with a small disclaimer: There is a lot of sex in this book as well as a lot of graphic/gory content and if that is something that bugs you then you’ve been warned.
❝Life doesn’t sit still for death. If anything, it moves faster
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review.
❝If you’re living like life is over then you might as well be six feet underground
We follow Austin a man who one day wishes his wife would just die but sooner than later he will learn that wishes sometimes can be deadly.
This is the first book I’ve ever read by John Everson and I must say he did not disappoint, I have always loved the concept of witches but it is always done so lightly which isn’t a bad thing but it always leaves me wanting more and THAT Everson delivered. This book explores the dark side of the human mind, how easily a human can be perverted, persuaded etc. as well as magic, the power of words and the occult.
❝How easy a man is to deceive when a woman is involved
Yes our main character might not be the brightest of the bunch but that is what makes this novel so much more fun to read. Although flawed I appreciated that Austin was consistent throughout the book, not every character needs to develop into a redeemable human or become something that they are not just for the sake of the reader. Nothing was handed over to Austin on a silver plate and that was refreshing to see.
I did find some random inconsistencies throughout the book which were minor such as a baby being on the floor one second and the next it being on a chair, as well as mixed names at the beginning but that might be changed once the book is published.
I am going to close this up with a small disclaimer: There is a lot of sex in this book as well as a lot of graphic/gory content and if that is something that bugs you then you’ve been warned.
❝Life doesn’t sit still for death. If anything, it moves faster
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2019
The Devil´s Equinox
by John Everson
due June 13-2019
Flame Tree Press
4.0 / 5.0
Some say the devil is in the details.
Others say it walks the earth, only humans bring it life.
Both are true in this dark, graphic novel.
Austin´s details can be found in his secrets...the one where he wishes his wife, Angie, were dead. His mistake is sharing that secret with a devilish woman, a woman who decides she wants to make his wish come true, she wants Austin to be her next guest at the Club.
Then Angie is found dead and Regina has many details of her plan she wants to share with Austin....at the Club...
The violence and sex is graphic and detailed, and may not appeal to those with sensitivities to these subjects. Read this. Do it anyway. Take the plunge. Everson is a master of the genre, and has stories that draw you in right away.
Thanks to the publisher and author for this e-book ARC for review.
#TheDevilsEquinox #netgalley
by John Everson
due June 13-2019
Flame Tree Press
4.0 / 5.0
Some say the devil is in the details.
Others say it walks the earth, only humans bring it life.
Both are true in this dark, graphic novel.
Austin´s details can be found in his secrets...the one where he wishes his wife, Angie, were dead. His mistake is sharing that secret with a devilish woman, a woman who decides she wants to make his wish come true, she wants Austin to be her next guest at the Club.
Then Angie is found dead and Regina has many details of her plan she wants to share with Austin....at the Club...
The violence and sex is graphic and detailed, and may not appeal to those with sensitivities to these subjects. Read this. Do it anyway. Take the plunge. Everson is a master of the genre, and has stories that draw you in right away.
Thanks to the publisher and author for this e-book ARC for review.
#TheDevilsEquinox #netgalley
April 9, 2019
Not my usual type of book, but I started this with an open mind. Found it an excellent storyline and really dark and twisted. A very graphic horror, so if you are prudish in anyway or do not like graphic violence or stuff like that keep away! Other than that I found it past paced and kept me hooked till the last page. First book by this author, but believe me I shall look out for more!
July 10, 2019
This took me longer to read than I was expecting, and that was because I found it such a slog for the most part.
I love a good horror book, and I do have a soft spot for books on cults/occults. Judging from the blurb to this, I was expecting an occult style book perhaps on par with Rosemary's Baby. Instead, this book spends the first half of the story describing several orgies in a goth style nightclub, and the second half where the protagonist runs around like an idiot.
Don't get me wrong. This book had promise and started out strong, but I soon found myself verging on bored or incredulous.
I disliked every character, and the writing just didn't do it for me. With the version I had, Everson kept mixing up Regina and Angie at the beginning and hopefully that has been caught and rectified in the final version. Generally though, there was far too much repetition and a lot could have been edited out - how many times can you have the same person explain what the Devil's Equinox is and why they are doing the ritual, and what the ritual entails? Turns out, far too bloody much where once would suffice. I also found it hilarious just how often Everson would avoid saying the word vagina or any kind of synonym. It was always "her sex". I mean, for fuck's sake.
I was hoping for a decent occult book with a 70s style feel but instead was given a book with too much repetition as a ways for explanation, ridiculous plot, horror cliches and subpar-erotica.
An advanced reader copy was kindly given by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I love a good horror book, and I do have a soft spot for books on cults/occults. Judging from the blurb to this, I was expecting an occult style book perhaps on par with Rosemary's Baby. Instead, this book spends the first half of the story describing several orgies in a goth style nightclub, and the second half where the protagonist runs around like an idiot.
Don't get me wrong. This book had promise and started out strong, but I soon found myself verging on bored or incredulous.
I disliked every character, and the writing just didn't do it for me. With the version I had, Everson kept mixing up Regina and Angie at the beginning and hopefully that has been caught and rectified in the final version. Generally though, there was far too much repetition and a lot could have been edited out - how many times can you have the same person explain what the Devil's Equinox is and why they are doing the ritual, and what the ritual entails? Turns out, far too bloody much where once would suffice. I also found it hilarious just how often Everson would avoid saying the word vagina or any kind of synonym. It was always "her sex". I mean, for fuck's sake.
I was hoping for a decent occult book with a 70s style feel but instead was given a book with too much repetition as a ways for explanation, ridiculous plot, horror cliches and subpar-erotica.
An advanced reader copy was kindly given by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
March 31, 2019
I suppose I was in the right mood when I read this book because I had a lot of fun in reading it.
It's quite far from those I usually read but this is an attractive mix of different themes and the writer makes the mix work.
It's very dark and creepy and perfect if you're in the mood for some good horror.
I appreciated the plot, the characters and the style of writing.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't be the last.
Highly recommended unless you're prude so I suppose this won't be your cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's quite far from those I usually read but this is an attractive mix of different themes and the writer makes the mix work.
It's very dark and creepy and perfect if you're in the mood for some good horror.
I appreciated the plot, the characters and the style of writing.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't be the last.
Highly recommended unless you're prude so I suppose this won't be your cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
January 20, 2019
Review Copy
Take 1 part PAINFREAK mix in 3 parts magic and then add a shot just because. Now you've got not just a fun John Everson novel but a great drinking game as well.
John is all about sex and horror. Prudish? You won't like this. He's the author most likely to. To what? *shrug* Whatever. Read his book and see. THE DEVIL'S EQUINOX is just his latest, start here and work your way back. He's awesome.
Recommended reading.
Take 1 part PAINFREAK mix in 3 parts magic and then add a shot just because. Now you've got not just a fun John Everson novel but a great drinking game as well.
John is all about sex and horror. Prudish? You won't like this. He's the author most likely to. To what? *shrug* Whatever. Read his book and see. THE DEVIL'S EQUINOX is just his latest, start here and work your way back. He's awesome.
Recommended reading.
March 6, 2019
John Everson has become one of the best writers of dark erotic fiction. He's so good at it that I sometimes wonder what his private life is really like! This book is no exception. His mind Goes to some very dark places and you willingly follow. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews