Beneath

Running from the Devil #1

by J.E. Taylor, Katie Salidas

An escaped demon and a snarky cat face off against the seven deadly sins. Escaping from Hell was just the beginning of Phoebe's problems. In Hell, she had a position of legend. A marquis of torture. But on the human plane, she is just another New York City destitute. Before she has a chance to get her bearings on the unforgiving streets, Fate steps in and offers her a chance at redemption, but it doesn't come cheap. She must bring in the demons that escaped alongside her while making sure no humans are harmed in the process. In order to do that, she needs to learn to live in the human world with the help of another one of Fate's parolees, a snarky cat named Smoke. If it means never seeing the halls of Hell again, Phoebe will do anything, even battle the seven deadly sins single-handed.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

315 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2019

About the author

J.E. Taylor is an award winning, USA Today Bestselling author, a publisher, an editor, a mother, a wife, a business analyst, and a Supernatural fangirl, not necessarily in that order. She first sat down to seriously write in February of 2007 after her daughter asked:

“Mom, if you could do anything, what would you do?”

From that moment on, she hasn’t looked back.

In addition to being co-owner of Novel Concept Publishing (www.novelconceptpublishing), Ms. Taylor also moonlights as a Senior Editor of Allegory (www.allegoryezine.com), an online venue for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror.

She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and during the summer months enjoys her weekends on the shore in southern Maine.

Visit her at www.jetaylor75.com

Reviews

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read! An exciting and entertaining story with some fantastic characters that will have you really rooting for them! With a unique storyline this demon is trying to get her soul back with the help from a cat whose snarky and a vet and I loved it!

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you escape Hell? For centuries Phoebe has been forced to do a horrible job in Hell. When she has a chance to escape and gain redemption she takes it. But she has to work for Fate, not use magic and not accidentally injure humans, as she completes her seven assignments. And these assignments are not easy. She has to stop demons from hurting humans. But she has a hard time getting around in the modern world, and she can’t read. To assist her she has a cat named Smoke who is also looking for redemption, and a veterinarian who has befriended her and given her a job. On her first assignment she almost breaks all of the rules she is forbidden to break. Can she ever get redemption? I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath (Running from the Devil Book 1) by J.E. Taylor, Katie Salidas this is an amazing start to a brand new series that I have loved reading. I can not wait to read book number two in this amazing series and I highly recommend this to all.

I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe has spent many years in Hell climbing up the ladder in rank torturing other demons. Phoebe made a deal trying to save someone she loved and ended up in Hell. An opening for escape opened up for Phoebe she snatched it up quickly and walked through the portal to the other side.

Phoebe’s escape takes her to the human plane where she once again runs into Fate and has to make a deal to save her soul. The question for some is does Phoebe actually have a soul anymore? Fate offers Phoebe a chance at redemption. In order to claim her redemption Phoebe must bring in the demons that escaped when she did without hurting humans in the process.

Yeah well this may be a little problem for Phoebe as no one has explained all the rules to her. Phoebe is assigned a helper, a cat named Smoke. Smoke helps Phoebe find a place to live. When she is injured trying to bring in one of the demons and breaking some of the rules in the process Smoke enlist the help of a veterinary to take care of Phoebe’s injures. The veterinary Adam gives Phoebe a job working at his clinic with all the cute and cuddly little animals.

All of Phoebe’s problems started with her trying to do a good thing by saving someone she loved. Phoebe’s good deed turned out not to be such a good thing for her. Her good deed cast her into Hell, a bad evil place where she is given the job of torturing demons. Phoebe’s job brought out her dark side but I don’t think it took over completely.

Phoebe has a long hard journey ahead of her with facing her demons and reaching for the redemption she seeks. Phoebe has a lot to learn and a lot of battles to face on her road to redemption. It is a long curvy road filled with lots of action from all the battles and fighting and so unpredictable with all the twists that fate throws at her. Phoebe is faced with temptations and trials on this long road she must travel down to reach her redemption.

Beneath is a great start to great new series. I can’t wait to dive into the next book to see where Phoebe and Smoke take us next and what other sins they will face.

I highly recommend Beneath to all fans of the paranormal, fantasy, demons and a little magic. One click your copy today to begin this wonderful new journey into a new world!

[Helgaleena Healingline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book begins with long-time torturer of Hell Phenex taking a chance upon a rogue portal and ending up stranded in New York City with very realistic culture shock. Fate has assigned her exactly one ally, a being equally between realms as she is, and a redemption contract that she'd best fulfill or else.

The ally, Smoke, prefers living as a stray tomcat to either Hell or Heaven. Phenex, or as she renames herself, Phoebe,
discovers a long-buried joy in aiding animals serves her well. Her task is to stop a rogue Djinn from gorging on too many human lottery winners with the help of a Night Hag she met Down Below... all before she figures out how to learn to read.

The only hiccup I encountered in believing this unfolding tale was how quickly our heroine figures out the telling of time. Otherwise I was very easily entranced by this spin on the supernatural realms, and look forward to finding out what's making the portals, why Lucifer is MIA Down There, and whether Phoebe and Smoke can do all seven of her Redemption Tasks while also becoming a full-fledged Veterinarian's assistant. That is, if she quits nearly dying prematurely. Fine start to a series.

[Lorella Piras]

I received this book from the author via StoryOrigin as a review copy for a fair and honest review and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's the first book I had read byJ.E. Taylor, but I've already knew Katie Salidas, and I think both of them are very talented writers.
Int his Book, the first in a brand new series, they had the ability to bring the whimsy into a magical world that is believable as our own
This series appears so far to be a mix of science fiction, urban fantasy, and supernatural. The main characters are an interesting mix of characters from different genres. what a great combination in a story. Really enjoyed this book.
This was a breath of fresh air and would highly recommend to others

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Loved it. Escaping from Hell, Phoebe finds herself destitute in New Year. A meeting with Fate beings a chance at redemption if she can complete seven tasks making sure no humans are harmed in the process. The story is inventive and entertaining, the writing is excellent with a good descriptive narrative, a strong female lead, a snarky not quite cat and a very slight touch of a possible romance in the future. The sniping between Phoebe and smoke is very amusing. Highly and and I look forward to reading more of this series. I received a complimentary copy from Storyorigin and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[Barbara Brostek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bumpy Road to Redemption!
A wonderful and hilarious start to this new series. Phoebe (aka Phenex, the Marquis of Hell) escapes and Fate offers her the chance to redeem her soul by completing 7 tasks. Phoebe hasn’t been on earth for thousands of years and her reactions to life in modern day NYC had me in stitches. Fate gave her a helper in the form of a snarky, streetwise cat and their interaction is superbly funny. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy and am happy to leave my honest review. Enjoy!

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Lynall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story. A demon trying to get her soul back, a cat and a vet battle a Djinn and a Hag. I just love all the characters, Adam is great, Smoke is amusing and Phoebe is Complex and imaginative. Fate is a fickle b*tch, and proves it in this book. A really entertaining and engaging story, I can’t wait to read more.

[Essiery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooo good it's a must read. If you like action and an entertaining story, this book is for you. I was hooked and can't wait for more.

[Wayne Scace · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** SPOILER ALERT ****
"Beneath: ( Running From The Devil: Book One )" is the lead volume of the "Running From The Devil" Series. I've read a book by Taylor last year and a have also read a fair few of Salidas' books so I was expecting great things from these authors tag-teaming on a series. The duo did NOT disappoint me. They did a phenomenal job of world building and character development. As soon as I post this review I am going to dive into "Between" the second book of the series. I recommend this book.
Q: Can Phoebe survive in a modern city after spending millennia in Hell?
Q: Can Phoebe meet the requirements of her contract with fate to earn her redemption?
Q: How do you defeat a Djinn who is impervious to demonic weapons?
A: Grab this book, read it, and find out!!
In the interest of transparency: I was given a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was so awesome. It has everything you would want in a great paranormal. Filled with mystery, intrigue, and hopefully love later. It got quite intense at times. Phoebe has been torturing souls in hell for thousands of years. She lost her own helping someone now she tried and wants out. When some gates opened in hell she took her chance to get out. She knows if she's captured she will be back except the one being tortured. She barely makes it by running into Fate. She strikes a bargain to try to claim her soul back. Seven deeds to do it but not hurt any humans in the process. Fate gives her a Bad Sarcastic Cat named Smoke to guide her. Smoke finds a Vet named Adam to patch her up when she needs.
They say the journey to redemption isn't easy and it won't be for her.
I loved this first book. I rooted for her the whole way. At times I didn't think she was going to be able to when especially with no powers or abilities to use. But she has a fighting spirit that just might carry her through it all.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All these words of from my own opinion.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me state that I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review.

Holy shiznet!!! This story is gr8. Phoebe is being given a chance to redeem herself but it's not easy. Chasing a djinn and a demon isn't easy. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up

[Kathy Wortham · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that don't impress, this one does!! Lately there's been a run of books with bad editing, poor sentence structure, and repetitive story info. This is not one of those. It was so good I stayed up all night to read the first two!
IF you're burnt out at your job and offered an opportunity to escape, you take it. But there is always a flip side, she landed in NYC with her soul still trapped in Hell. Alone no money or friends, not having been on earth in thousands of years P has to find her way. OK, so there's a good side, somewhere. A contract with Fate for redemption, the snarky talking sidekick of a cat and a job at the Vet's where she can pet and cuddle puppies while getting paid for it. There are rules to learn in every society and Phoebe needs all the help she can get right now. Luckily her boss becomes a friend, who can stitch her up. The sidekick guides her around town and leads her to the shelter with a new ID. Phoebe (as she's now called) can't count on her magic but she can count on her knives now if only she'll learn to count on her friends.

[Rose Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and intense!
“Beneath” is an intoxicatingly unique well-written tale with twists and mystery. The characters are intense and well-defined. I could not put this tale down it kept me on the edge of my seat in suspense until the last page. This should definitely be on your TBR list.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you escape Hell? For centuries Phoebe has been forced to do a horrible job in Hell. When she has a chance to escape and gain redemption she takes it. But she has to work for Fate, not use magic and not accidentally injure humans, as she completes her seven assignments. And these assignments are not easy. She has to stop demons from hurting humans. But she has a hard time getting around in the modern world, and she can’t read. To assist her she has a cat named Smoke who is also looking for redemption, and a veterinarian who has befriended her and given her a job. On her first assignment she almost breaks all of the rules she is forbidden to break. Can she ever get redemption? I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Phoebe this is well written and has great world and character building I couldn't put it down and I'm excited to see where book 2 goes!🤯😍

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the unique elements in this story! Entertaining and interesting ideas throughout the whole book. I really enjoy the whole redemption aspect of Phenex aka Phoebe’s journey to regain her soul, and despite her penchant for acting without much thought; I really enjoyed Phoebe as a character. She has a big heart and I feel that’s ultimately what gets her in trouble; her selfless acts cause her strife. Phoebe sold her soul for reasons that aren’t completely clear; she’s been serving in Hell as a torturer for thousands of years because of whatever happened. When a mysterious portal opens in Hell, many take the chance to escape; Phoebe being one of them. Fate ends up offering Phoebe the opportunity to gain her soul back by completing tasks. There’s a dangerous Djinn aka genie on the loose and stealing souls, so Phoebe and her only ally, Smoke, the talking “cat” set out to take the Djinn down. Phoebe is also dealing with being in a place and time she know very little about; she’s really starting from scratch and she has a lot working against her, but she keeps striving to succeed. Loved her tenacity. There’s still a lot of story to be told; this one ends satisfactorily, but things aren’t completely done for Phoebe. She’s still got a lot of work to do. I’m looking forward to the next book!

[Rabid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this entertaining urban fantasy about the fight for redemption by a fallen one. A past mistake lost Phenex (Phoebe) her soul and condemned her to the pits of hell. When she gets a chance to escape Lucifer’s grasp, she takes it and ends up on earth. Phoebe makes a deal to try to earn her soul back by working for Fate and completing seven evil capturing assignments.
This is a fast paced, exciting read, with soul sucking Djinn, demonic old hags, a sarcastic cat and tasks that seem impossible to achieve. In this first book we learn some of Phoebe’s history, but not fully what the mistake she made was that caused her fall from grace. I really enjoyed Phoebe’s character, she is determined, strong willed and you really want her to succeed. I loved her affinity to animals and her relationship with Smoke. Smoke was my favourite character in the book, a sassy, sarcastic, alley cat that is exceedingly resourceful and has more that a few hidden surprises up his sleeves. I also enjoyed the kindheartedness of Adam and really hope that his relationship with Phoebe develops into more than just friendship. I will look forward to seeing what other tasks fate has in store for Phoebe and gang in the next book in the series.

[Rabid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this entertaining urban fantasy about the fight for redemption by a fallen one. A past mistake lost Phenex (Phoebe) her soul and condemned her to the pits of hell. When she gets a chance to escape Lucifer’s grasp, she takes it and ends up on earth. Phoebe makes a deal to try to earn her soul back by working for Fate and completing seven evil capturing assignments.
This is a fast paced, exciting read, with soul sucking Djinn, demonic old hags, a sarcastic cat and tasks that seem impossible to achieve. In this first book we learn some of Phoebe’s history, but not fully what the mistake she made was that caused her fall from grace. I really enjoyed Phoebe’s character, she is determined, strong willed and you really want her to succeed. I loved her affinity to animals and her relationship with Smoke. Smoke was my favourite character in the book, a sassy, sarcastic, alley cat that is exceedingly resourceful and has more that a few hidden surprises up his sleeves. I also enjoyed the kindheartedness of Adam and really hope that his relationship with Phoebe develops into more than just friendship. I will look forward to seeing what other tasks fate has in store for Phoebe and gang in the next book in the series.

[Shivani McFarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie Salidas is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy author who teamed up with J.T Taylor to write this new series. I am not familiar with Taylor's writing but it's interesting to see the subtle differences in style the two authors bring to the series. It did take me a little while to get into the story. For me much of the first part of the book was spent on establishing Phoebe past and seemed a tad slow it wasn't until Adam showed up that It started to pick up. I did enjoy the section when she enters the shelter and the compassion that was shown her. The drama, near death misses, being dropped in a foreign environment with so many obstacles would be enough to stop anyone but the empathy and help does not go unnoticed. Phoebe desire to make things work out is a huge plus and makes this a really uplifting story. Raising yourself up from Hell is not easy but with help and a desire to win what's not to like about this book. I highly recommend this book.
I was given a free copy of the book from Story Origin in exchange for an honest review.

[Silver Surfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this is not like any urban fantasy I have read before, but it’s very, very good nonetheless. I started reading not knowing what to expect but by the end I was full engrossed and couldn’t put it down. I just have to read book two to what happens next. Highly recommended.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battered, hurt and aching in every place Phoebe had a mission to fulfill because the other choice was one she feared more than anything. As ever, things were not as planned and with a 'really not a cat' for partner, she had to face a nightmare that had she bargaining for something more than herself. Dark, skilled, hard to kill and resourceful Phoebe had me intrigued all the time. She had a chance for redemption but at a great cost. What’s her story? And the cat! He too had his own and very hidden. Liked the mystery, the suspense and the emotions that after so many years were waking up in Phoebe. This was the first book, so we have to buckle up for the ride with Phoebe and her 'no demon' cry. An exciting and suspenseful story that had me enjoying the characters and their dire situation.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel an overwhelming urge to use lots of Smoke’s rather blue language right now. I was not in any way prepared for this story. And I was even less prepared to be a weeping mess for so much of it. I’m at a complete loss for words. I don’t even know how much I could say even if I could without giving away the best parts of the book, because the whole blessed thing is fantastic. I adored the funhouse-mirror view of our society we get through Phoebe’s eyes. And, having been owned by a feline before, there’s just something so “authentic” feeling about a cat that can communicate but only does so through snark and sarcasm. I’m dying to get my hands on the next book already.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the authors through StoryOrigin.

[Tabi Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and Very Tense

I commented that this book is exciting and tense and it is all of that wrapped up in the pages of this book. I mean how can it not be when you take and escape woman from hell, a snarky cat, and a vet trying to defeat demons from hell.

Every flip of a page brings you excitement and you find yourself biting your nails because you are not sure what the next turn of the page will bring. Will our leading lady find what she needs to appease the people upstairs? Or will she end up back in hell being the tortured instead of the torturer?

Until Next Time.... Tabi

[Skyye Breeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very intriguing storyline that catches your attention from start to finish! it's fun and very entertaining to read! it will have you on the edge of your seat as the story heats up and the plot gets deeper! you'll be racing through the pages as you try to discover what's going to happen next! I loved everything about this book especially the characters Phoebe and Smoke! they will definitely have you giggling as they banter with each other! it's an exciting adventure and I can't wait to see where the story takes us next! definitely my favorite book so far this year!!!

[Skyye Breeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very intriguing storyline that catches your attention from start to finish! it's fun and a very entertaining to read! it will have you on the edge of your seat as the story heats up and the plot gets deeper! you'll be racing through the pages as you try to discover what's going to happen next! I loved everything about this book especially the characters Phoebe and Smoke! they will definitely have you giggling as they banter with each other! it's an exciting adventure and I can't wait to see where the story takes us next! definitely my favorite book so far this year!!!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little different than I thought. 4.5 stars

This was a little different than I thought. Phoebe is a heroine but is also learning to accept help since she cant do it alone and truly needs it.

She is a good person to root for. I am interested in Fate as well. She seems like an interesting entity that doesn’t reveal everything either.

Looking forward to the next installment. This story is more focused on character growth and development than on action. We will see what the next book in this trilogy brings.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story written by the two authors J.E. Taylor and Katie Salidas had me captivated from the first chapter. The heroine Phoebe,stumbles quite cluelessly around modern New York, when she gets the opportunity to reedem heir soul. She gets help from the snarky cat/demon Smoke and the pure soul Adam. The three make an intersting team, I look forward to reading more about them!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.