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Useless Creatures
A terror hides within the depths of the city…
Cleveland State University student Jacquie Arnold receives a disturbing text. She’s sent an image of her mother and a strange man tied to a chair. Rattled by the image and the following messages, she complies with the demands imposed on her.
Her mother’s life is at stake.
Uniting with fellow student Nikki Bilderback, the girls are forced to perform a series of horrific acts ripped from the mortal sins and directed by a nameless, faceless tormentor.
Can the girls finish their tasks in time or will their parents suffer a gruesome fate?
Useless Creatures is a terror-filled novel of pain and sin. If you like exploring the depths of humanity and chilling circumstances, you’ll love Jay Bower’s tale.
Cleveland State University student Jacquie Arnold receives a disturbing text. She’s sent an image of her mother and a strange man tied to a chair. Rattled by the image and the following messages, she complies with the demands imposed on her.
Her mother’s life is at stake.
Uniting with fellow student Nikki Bilderback, the girls are forced to perform a series of horrific acts ripped from the mortal sins and directed by a nameless, faceless tormentor.
Can the girls finish their tasks in time or will their parents suffer a gruesome fate?
Useless Creatures is a terror-filled novel of pain and sin. If you like exploring the depths of humanity and chilling circumstances, you’ll love Jay Bower’s tale.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2019
15 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Jay Bower
47 books286 followersJAY BOWER is a horror author living outside St. Louis, MO in the forest of Southern Illinois. He spends his time reading, writing, and convincing his wife the dark stories he writes do not involve her.
One time punk-rock skateboarder and heavy metal kid of the 80s, Jay approaches his work with the same indie attitude as those early punk bands.
He's the author of several dark novels and short stories. He can be reached at jay@jay-bower.com.
One time punk-rock skateboarder and heavy metal kid of the 80s, Jay approaches his work with the same indie attitude as those early punk bands.
He's the author of several dark novels and short stories. He can be reached at jay@jay-bower.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 23, 2019
I'm gonna be honest, I only chose to read this because I needed a title that started with a "U" for an alphabet challenge, but I ended up liking this more then I thought I would.
Unknown antagonist kidnaps one of the main character's mother and the other's father, holds them hostage and forces the main characters to commit 7 ritual type killings in 7 days , based on the 7 deadly sins, and send proof of said deed,( Photo/ video).If they refuse, get outside help, or fail in any way, their parents will be slaughtered.
3 things this reminded me of:
1) Seven--Main characters are forced to kill strangers based on the 7 deadly sins
2) Saw-- Main characters are forced to maim/torture victims before killing them in order to save their parents
3) Die Hard 3---Tasks must be completed within a time limit,(Unfortunately the nursery rhyme" Simple Simon is never referenced. Not that anyone could do it better the Jeremy Irons anyway).
I was afraid this would be predicable, and of the 2 twists this book has, I did predict one fairly early. The other one took me totally by surprise.
Unknown antagonist kidnaps one of the main character's mother and the other's father, holds them hostage and forces the main characters to commit 7 ritual type killings in 7 days , based on the 7 deadly sins, and send proof of said deed,( Photo/ video).If they refuse, get outside help, or fail in any way, their parents will be slaughtered.
3 things this reminded me of:
1) Seven--Main characters are forced to kill strangers based on the 7 deadly sins
2) Saw-- Main characters are forced to maim/torture victims before killing them in order to save their parents
3) Die Hard 3---Tasks must be completed within a time limit,(Unfortunately the nursery rhyme" Simple Simon is never referenced. Not that anyone could do it better the Jeremy Irons anyway).
I was afraid this would be predicable, and of the 2 twists this book has, I did predict one fairly early. The other one took me totally by surprise.
July 5, 2022
Useless Creatures is a unique fast page turner filled with both gore and psychological horror. With the twisted games of a Saw movie, mixed with the graphic and unsettling crimes of Seven. This one delivered a unique plot, interesting characters and an unforgettable ending.
January 24, 2023
This is a great edge-of-the-seat horror. This had me swiping through the pages on my Kindle in anticipation to find out what was going to happen next!
Imagine getting a photo of your parents tied up and a message telling you to meet someone in order to save them? Imagine doing that, and entering a game that has a number of tasks you must perform in order to save them? These are easy chores either but illegal, and will push your morals to their limits. This is exactly how student Jacquie Arnold finds herself.
I loved this book. I really didn’t know what was going to happen next and it took me on a real journey. A fantastic fast-paced book that nods towards the movie Seven. This is my first book by Jay, and i t will not be my last!
Imagine getting a photo of your parents tied up and a message telling you to meet someone in order to save them? Imagine doing that, and entering a game that has a number of tasks you must perform in order to save them? These are easy chores either but illegal, and will push your morals to their limits. This is exactly how student Jacquie Arnold finds herself.
I loved this book. I really didn’t know what was going to happen next and it took me on a real journey. A fantastic fast-paced book that nods towards the movie Seven. This is my first book by Jay, and i t will not be my last!
October 17, 2022
This author was recommended to me by a really cool friend whose opinion I regard highly. So when he makes a rec, I listen. And I'm glad I did.
Remember that movie 7, where people were getting murdered due to their sins? That's this book, with a twist. It's not some psychopath committing the murders, it's a psycho forcing two female college students to do his bidding. He was holding their parents for ransom and threatened to kill them if the girls didn't kill whom he had chosen.
This was a quick, easy read. The murders were wickedly fun. Just enough gruesome and comedy to keep the story flowing.
Remember that movie 7, where people were getting murdered due to their sins? That's this book, with a twist. It's not some psychopath committing the murders, it's a psycho forcing two female college students to do his bidding. He was holding their parents for ransom and threatened to kill them if the girls didn't kill whom he had chosen.
This was a quick, easy read. The murders were wickedly fun. Just enough gruesome and comedy to keep the story flowing.
October 9, 2019
I can't remember the last time I gave a 2 star rating. I don't like giving low ratings but this book was just off. I don't get how 2 young college lady's can kill and some gruesome kills with no problem. In a way it is like "seven" but not good.
I didn't think the story flowed well and at times seemed forced. and the ending didn't do it for me either. Sorry.
I didn't think the story flowed well and at times seemed forced. and the ending didn't do it for me either. Sorry.
December 30, 2022
When I read Jay Bower’s Dead Blood (Book 1), I knew I would end up reading some of his other books. I decided to read Useless Creatures as the next book. It is just as entertaining as Dead Blood and Hanging Corpses.
Jacquie Arnold and Nikki Bilderback both receive text messages demanding they follow the instructions of the text or they will witness the suffering of a loved one. They are given a set time and place, and must follow the instructions specifically.
The story picked up really quick and was fast throughout the entire story. While it held my attention the entire time, I did find that the girls accepted the situation a bit too easily. I realize that this is unrealistic given that it is a fictional story, but I wanted more fear and anger before the demands were hashed out to victims. I got a brief level of pain and anger and then all of a sudden, gore and destruction.
With that, I would still recommend the story. It was a lot of fun and the ending has a nice plot twist that many people won’t see coming. This would be a good story to fill in a slot on your reading challenge for one of the deadly sins or a book under 300 pages (204 pages according to Goodreads).
February 23, 2025
What a great grab you by the guts book. I have owned this one for a bit and saw Jay Bower’s name on social media, and decided to finally pick it up. I’m so glad I did. This was a delightful messy book about the seven deadly sins, and how to kill because of them. Great twist at the end, just as you think it’s ending and everyone is safe, out comes the twist. Will definitely pick up more of his books.
October 28, 2020
Oh. My. Word. Jay! This book....I couldn't stop reading it! I was so engrossed in what was going to happen next! Definitely a page turner! The way you described everything with such detail made it that much more gripping! And of course, there's the part that really made my jaw drop....when you read it you'll know what I'm talking about!
April 14, 2025
Useless Creatures by Jay Bower
This book is an excellent example on why I need to take time after I finish a book to let it settle before reviewing.
I will admit, I initially wasn't a fan of this one. It just didn't feel like a Jay Bower book to me, Jay has this powerhouse of a voice in his writing that sets him apart and I initially didn't feel it with this one.
But......
I've been thinking about this all day, and I believe I didn't give it a fair shake because I was hung up on it not sounding like it came from the Jay I've grown to accustomed to. I first felt like that was a negative but I've changed my mind, I think this book actually showcases his ability to surprise his readers and pull them out of their comfort zones.
I'd compare this book to a cinnamon roll, while Cinnabon is your go to comfort roll of choice, it doesn't mean that a Top Pot cinnamon roll can't be just as satisfying if you don't go into expecting what you're used to.
I highly recommend giving this one a go if you're in the mood for a Jay Bower with a little bit of a different flavor 😉
This book is an excellent example on why I need to take time after I finish a book to let it settle before reviewing.
I will admit, I initially wasn't a fan of this one. It just didn't feel like a Jay Bower book to me, Jay has this powerhouse of a voice in his writing that sets him apart and I initially didn't feel it with this one.
But......
I've been thinking about this all day, and I believe I didn't give it a fair shake because I was hung up on it not sounding like it came from the Jay I've grown to accustomed to. I first felt like that was a negative but I've changed my mind, I think this book actually showcases his ability to surprise his readers and pull them out of their comfort zones.
I'd compare this book to a cinnamon roll, while Cinnabon is your go to comfort roll of choice, it doesn't mean that a Top Pot cinnamon roll can't be just as satisfying if you don't go into expecting what you're used to.
I highly recommend giving this one a go if you're in the mood for a Jay Bower with a little bit of a different flavor 😉
November 14, 2020
Seven if John Doe was more Manson and less hands on
Dark and gritty. Seven deadly sins, seven victims. It was very reminiscent if the film Seven with a Charles Manson like puppet master rather than a simple serial killer. Fast paced and very well written.
Dark and gritty. Seven deadly sins, seven victims. It was very reminiscent if the film Seven with a Charles Manson like puppet master rather than a simple serial killer. Fast paced and very well written.
December 9, 2022
I'm a fan of Jay Bower; I loved Dreamwraith and I'm loving Soul Eyes! This story of his is a short tale about 2 young women, a psychopath, 7 days, 7 deadly sins, gore and violence aplenty, and a helluva ending!
May 24, 2023
Good story with a a good story and an interesting ending.
Jacquie and Nikki become victim to a madman. They are being forced to kill sinners in order to safe their parents. How far are Jaquie and Nikki willing to go? To save their parents?
Jacquie and Nikki become victim to a madman. They are being forced to kill sinners in order to safe their parents. How far are Jaquie and Nikki willing to go? To save their parents?
July 25, 2023
okay, this is another great book by Jay Bower. . . I think that's what's most frightening about it is. . . it's highly possible this can happen. I did predict part of the ending but definitely not all.
I definitely must read.
I definitely must read.
April 3, 2025
What a chilling and thrilling ride this story takes you on! It really makes you think about what lengths you would go to for someone you love. Just when I thought I had figured out what made the characters do what they were doing, I found out I was wrong! Lol! Could not put this book down!
April 9, 2025
7 deadly sins, 7 horrendous murders, in 7 days. This book was so good that twist at the end was completely unhinged. The big question here is, can your average day good person become a mass murderer ? Will they risk their lives to save the people they love?
April 5, 2019
I didn't hate it.
It was just a little too "seven" for me. But it kept me interested enough to finish the book so that's something.
It was just a little too "seven" for me. But it kept me interested enough to finish the book so that's something.
October 24, 2022
A mix of saw meets seven, fast paced with a good twist the end!!
March 18, 2024
Wow!
Wow what an ending! I had no idea how Useless Creatures would end. I loved reading this book and recommend this book!
Wow what an ending! I had no idea how Useless Creatures would end. I loved reading this book and recommend this book!
June 21, 2022
A dark read
One of the best books I've read so far. I am new to Jay Bower books, but I'm hooked already! The end was a total twist and not at all what I expected! Started reading and didn't stop till it was done!
One of the best books I've read so far. I am new to Jay Bower books, but I'm hooked already! The end was a total twist and not at all what I expected! Started reading and didn't stop till it was done!
November 7, 2023
What can I say? A horror story that takes place in, basically, my backyard. Almost all the locations are real. Beyond that is the story itself. The battle of whether good people can do bad things if their intentions are admirable. Whether these actions change a person or if these feelings were always there. Jay Bower does a great job of having his characters walk that line all the way through the book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews