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Circles in Hell #8
The League of Unusual Denizens
The only thing worse than the end of the universe is … Casual Day.Six denizens of Hell, one saint and a small blue alien join forces to stop the ultimate the destruction of the cosmos. That most of them are dead is of little consequence, for they possess great powers. Halos and horns, strength and sarcasm, courage and comedy, oh, and a management this team has them all. They are THE LEAGUE OF UNUSUAL DENIZENS. a superhero team par excellence on the ultimate voyage through what is truly the final frontier. a stupid acronym, though it fits well on a T-shirt. And this team of misfit heroes will need every advantage if they hope to save the heavens and the earth from returning to Chaos. Here they go, into the breach. Get LOUD! The League of Unusual Denizens Is the eighth volume in the satire/fantasy comedy series, Circles in Hell. It has been compared to other works of “Hell Fiction” including The Screwtape Letters and Good Omens and to the paranormal humor of Tom Holt, Christopher Moore and Douglas Adams. Click on the book jacket to "Look inside."_______________________________________________Comedy Fiction Book Categories Satire and HumorFantasy Comedy booksHell FictionHumorous Fantasy ebooksDevils and DemonsFiction HumorParanormal HumorParanormal Comedy RomanceSuperhero Team Comedy
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2020
119 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Mark Cain
30 books220 followersWriter living in Austin, Texas.
My work could best be described as satire, with a little fantasy thrown in. This is a good characterization of my comic fantasy series, CIRCLES IN HELL.
Here is a link to the series page.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017...
My work could best be described as satire, with a little fantasy thrown in. This is a good characterization of my comic fantasy series, CIRCLES IN HELL.
Here is a link to the series page.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 17, 2020
I got an early release for an honest review. I still love this series and I am glad the whole gang is back together. The story moves along. The author once again takes you to mythological characters and places you may not be familiar with. This is an aspect that I love of this series. It always expands my knowledge of other religious beliefs in a fun and interesting way. This book definitely went a different direction than I thought it would. That is a good thing.
March 5, 2020
Another fantastic addition to the Circles in Hell series. A humorous and entertaining ride through Chaos, mixing in mythology and religion. Let’s get L.O.U.D.!!!
February 2, 2022
damn oirish
September 18, 2020
Excellent as always.
I just finished the latest 'Circles of Hell' book and as might be expected from my previous reviews, I loved it.
Mark Cain has diverged, somewhat, recently from the sort of story we've come to know and love but his story-telling remains as focused as ever, the characters for the most part remain as engageable as ever and the book as a whole does work (despite some wierd and meaningless diversions; possibly introducing new characters for new storylines albeit in a manner more clumsily than we've come to expect from a writer who's always been so polished up 'til now) and is heartily recommended for anybody who enjoys this sort of fiction.
A very solid 5 stars still but more a 9.25/10 than the definite 10 achieved before.
I just finished the latest 'Circles of Hell' book and as might be expected from my previous reviews, I loved it.
Mark Cain has diverged, somewhat, recently from the sort of story we've come to know and love but his story-telling remains as focused as ever, the characters for the most part remain as engageable as ever and the book as a whole does work (despite some wierd and meaningless diversions; possibly introducing new characters for new storylines albeit in a manner more clumsily than we've come to expect from a writer who's always been so polished up 'til now) and is heartily recommended for anybody who enjoys this sort of fiction.
A very solid 5 stars still but more a 9.25/10 than the definite 10 achieved before.
March 17, 2020
This book started out okay. Though never really grabbed my focus; and that only got FAR worse. One thing which was obviously problematic as far as this being an Audible reading (though I suppose it would be the same in the written form regardless, though more obviously so with vocals) is that there is some narrator I suppose and then there is Steve. The voices are identical. And so much of the time it really seems as if Steve is telling the story. But then he (well, whoever the fuck is narrating this thing in actuality) will speak of Steve as he would any other of the characters. Third person, ya know. It appears to be a major faux pas on Mark Cain's part (or perhaps whatever editorial staff he MAY have employed -- noting that so VERY many authors these days, presumably to save money on a book which will likely only sell relatively few copies, do their own editing OR perhaps have some advance readers take what amounts to a look-see and NEVER amounts to anything (even if one of these advance readers understands the English language well enough to correct the improprieties... potentially they do and, well, the author chooses to ignore it to meet some deadline with the publisher assuming he/she isn't self-publishing.... obviously the extent of this faux pas -- to put it extremely mildly -- would require a very serious rewrite of the entire book.... perhaps not a hellacious (sp?) task with a relatively short book, but one which could seriously mess with any deadlines). Well, this narration screw up was only an annoyance to me mostly. It was the story. The characters. Everything. Nothing built to anything solid with regards to a true plot. Well, I suppose it does. But I found this whole thing pathetically done. Perhaps not that. I'm really not sure. What I do know is that I DID NOT LIKE this book. It couldn't keep my interest. Heck, it just wasn't interesting. Anyway, I am not sure off-hand what exactly my inner reader found wrong with it. What he found unworthy.... unworthy of what Mr. Cain is surely capable given definitely his first 4 novels and if I recall correctly a decent job on the 5th which seemed an afterthought some 3 years after the 4th. Authors do that kind of thing, however. I just really hope he shitcans that 9th book I see in the works OR TOTALLY REVAMPS everything about his writing style and world building and plot sequencing and just whomever the damned narrator is actually going to be and is supposed to be. Sorry, Mark, but I just can't write even a mediocre review for this book. I actually only survived through 80% of it. Couldn't tolerate any further. I liked the wit and sarcasm of Steve Minion. I am certain you can come up with a NEW idea for a series and expound on that with what I recognize as writing talent and a vivid imagination. Just keep it simple. Sorry for the bad review. I suppose others would have given a single star. I just can't stand doing such and am not sure I ever have. And considering what this series once was, well, memories keep me at the 2-star level. The Gates Of Hell should be closed off now please. And thanks for all the past laughs!!
August 18, 2025
The membrane between the celestial bodies of Heaven and Hell and Choas is torn and pandemonium is leaking in. This is a problem which affects Demon, Devils, Angels, Saints, and everybody in between. Like some kind of Superhero team up, unusual denziens are brought together to save the day, including Dweebils, a Saint, a Devil, a Bat out of Hell, a skeletal ferryman, a Norse firegiant, Florence Nightingale, and Steve Minion, the emisary to Heaven who resides in Hell. The rag tag league of unusual denziens (shortened to the acronym of LOUD) have to find a way to work together or else existence, and post life existence will be lost forever.
I enjoyed Mark Cain's 8th book in the circles of Hell series. I've rated it 4/5 because I've enjoyed others more than this, but still it was a fun thrill ride. It got marked down a little because there were times that it drifted without direction, much like the Naughtibus that the group find themselves on - a parallel to Moby Dick which was not lost on me, which Steve is trying to read through the journey. While the story drifted at times the finale was wrapped up super quick which seemed like a bit of waste considering who their adversary turned out to be.
An enjoyable yarn but not the strongest in the Circles of Hell series. Still, absolutely worth a read, and it isn't as long and tedious as I found Moby Dick, which Steve seems to agree with 😂
I enjoyed Mark Cain's 8th book in the circles of Hell series. I've rated it 4/5 because I've enjoyed others more than this, but still it was a fun thrill ride. It got marked down a little because there were times that it drifted without direction, much like the Naughtibus that the group find themselves on - a parallel to Moby Dick which was not lost on me, which Steve is trying to read through the journey. While the story drifted at times the finale was wrapped up super quick which seemed like a bit of waste considering who their adversary turned out to be.
An enjoyable yarn but not the strongest in the Circles of Hell series. Still, absolutely worth a read, and it isn't as long and tedious as I found Moby Dick, which Steve seems to agree with 😂
May 9, 2020
Man, each time I wait and see how this story evolves, Mark pulls out another awesome contribution to the afterlife universe that is Steve and his band of friends, bosses, and antagonists. This was the most fun book out of the series since book one simply because of the diversity in characters and personalities. Loved Dorla and Willard's tale!
What happens when Chaos/Panemonium experience a problem that has the potential to unmake reality? Well, this is a depiction of what could happen. This tale brings back some old favorites from way back in the series along with those we've come to know and love: Oofer, BooH, Flo, Bic (I just noticed the play on his name, it never dawned on me before), and many others.
It was so much fun to watch this team of loveable, and hateable depending on the team you root for, characters come together. St. Patrick and Oofer were an awesome pair!
I mentioned it in the Circles in Hell Facebook group, not realizing that Mike is the one running it, that Mike Gilboe did a wonderful job with this one. Talk about a challenge with remembering so many different characters and voices, but he pulled it off without a hitch.
Well done, as always, Mark and Mike! This was a masterpiece.
Oh, and I loved the portrayal of chaos near the end :)
What happens when Chaos/Panemonium experience a problem that has the potential to unmake reality? Well, this is a depiction of what could happen. This tale brings back some old favorites from way back in the series along with those we've come to know and love: Oofer, BooH, Flo, Bic (I just noticed the play on his name, it never dawned on me before), and many others.
It was so much fun to watch this team of loveable, and hateable depending on the team you root for, characters come together. St. Patrick and Oofer were an awesome pair!
I mentioned it in the Circles in Hell Facebook group, not realizing that Mike is the one running it, that Mike Gilboe did a wonderful job with this one. Talk about a challenge with remembering so many different characters and voices, but he pulled it off without a hitch.
Well done, as always, Mark and Mike! This was a masterpiece.
Oh, and I loved the portrayal of chaos near the end :)
October 17, 2022
Good!
Finally, at last, the gang's all here (most of them, anyway)! If, like me, you didn't like the previous book (the « biography » of Beelzebub), do not despair! We're back on the saddle with this one, in a new realm, though.
I was really disappointed of the previous book. I didn't even finished it (and it doesn't happens often in my life). I thought « that's it, the story is finished and I was sad about it ». I didn't even made a review, as it was going to be bad. And I never give bad review, because I know how hard it is to write, to create. And, often, it's not based on objective opinion, as personal taste are a big part of what you like or not.
I have the impression that the previous book was more a « collector's item », you know, like when a band issues « unreleased tracks ans demos »? Since I was here for all the characters, I couldn’t make an honest review.
But as most of them are back in this book, it was really fun to meet them back again. If you liked the six first ones, you'll like this one too.
Finally, at last, the gang's all here (most of them, anyway)! If, like me, you didn't like the previous book (the « biography » of Beelzebub), do not despair! We're back on the saddle with this one, in a new realm, though.
I was really disappointed of the previous book. I didn't even finished it (and it doesn't happens often in my life). I thought « that's it, the story is finished and I was sad about it ». I didn't even made a review, as it was going to be bad. And I never give bad review, because I know how hard it is to write, to create. And, often, it's not based on objective opinion, as personal taste are a big part of what you like or not.
I have the impression that the previous book was more a « collector's item », you know, like when a band issues « unreleased tracks ans demos »? Since I was here for all the characters, I couldn’t make an honest review.
But as most of them are back in this book, it was really fun to meet them back again. If you liked the six first ones, you'll like this one too.
August 13, 2020
The humor in this book gets a little goofy at times, but then that's always been Mr. Cain's style and he pulls it off well by combining it with excellent storytelling. Here, a large tear in the universe is discovered, so large that it cannot be expected to repair itself. As a result Heaven and Hell cooperate in forming a team to head into the chaos that surrounds the universe to make the repair. That team is named the "League of Unusual Denizens," or "LOUD" for short, by one of the more nerdy members. However, similar tears are discovered on the return trip and LOUD's mission is expanded to identifying and stopping the culprit. To do this the LOUD ship makes a stop at what is left of Valhalla, now adrift in chaos, for repairs, information and, in the end, aid in stopping the culprit.
Bottom line: Well worth the read.
Bottom line: Well worth the read.
February 16, 2020
One of those books you wish would just go on forever
I started with Hell's Super and was instantly addicted. These books are entertaining, thought provoking, and of course, hilarious.
Much of the humor is subtle and dry, almost like British comedy. It requires that you pay attention, or read the book more than once, to fully appreciate.
Enjoy!
I started with Hell's Super and was instantly addicted. These books are entertaining, thought provoking, and of course, hilarious.
Much of the humor is subtle and dry, almost like British comedy. It requires that you pay attention, or read the book more than once, to fully appreciate.
Enjoy!
February 20, 2020
Loved this book. It’s such a great addition to the series. I like the intervention scene with the word tormentation. I thought it was a made up word but it’s apparently a real word. I liked the nod to john scalzi redshirts as well.
Nice little adventure that builds the existing characters and adds new ones
Nice little adventure that builds the existing characters and adds new ones
July 19, 2020
Great book. Very different backdrop than the previous books due to the location but is great to see the different characters having no choice but to interact with people they usually wouldn’t.
Surprisingly you see a slightly more nuanced side to Uphir.
Looking forward to continuing our journey through the Circles of Hell.
Surprisingly you see a slightly more nuanced side to Uphir.
Looking forward to continuing our journey through the Circles of Hell.
November 2, 2020
Another Mark Cain masterpiece
I waited a long time to read this and it brings together so many favourite characters in one story. The use of classic sci-fi references is clever, even if you can almost sense some of them coming up.
Well worth a read if you enjoyed any of the previous Circle of Hell books.
Well worth a read if you haven't tried any too.
I waited a long time to read this and it brings together so many favourite characters in one story. The use of classic sci-fi references is clever, even if you can almost sense some of them coming up.
Well worth a read if you enjoyed any of the previous Circle of Hell books.
Well worth a read if you haven't tried any too.
February 19, 2020
I listen to Mark Cain’s books in audiobook format and absolutely love Michael Gilboe’s voice work. My particular favorite for this book was Uphir’s outbursts. Each time he roared out a curse a laugh burst out of me. I missed Beezie in the book but Pairing of Uphir and Patrick made up for it.
April 16, 2020
It's not going to win a Pulitzer, but it's fun.
I read it in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic when i needed something fun to read. The ending was more predictable than his other books, but still good.
I read it in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic when i needed something fun to read. The ending was more predictable than his other books, but still good.
July 21, 2020
Enjoyable
I appreciated the character development. Quick read. I finished it in a day and a half. As a fan of this series I like knowing more about the characters. This book gives you some insight on some reoccurring characters
I appreciated the character development. Quick read. I finished it in a day and a half. As a fan of this series I like knowing more about the characters. This book gives you some insight on some reoccurring characters
February 15, 2023
This book was definitely a highlight in the series for me. Made some interesting choices, had some great callbacks to earlier books in the series, and was just overall a delight.
Not that I ever considered giving up on the series, but this book was a grand payoff.
Not that I ever considered giving up on the series, but this book was a grand payoff.
March 31, 2020
Another great story.
October 19, 2020
So.much.fun!
This was a great series. I laughed, I hung on the edge of my seat and I laughed again. It's irreverent and indulgent. I await the next book.
This was a great series. I laughed, I hung on the edge of my seat and I laughed again. It's irreverent and indulgent. I await the next book.
May 14, 2021
Just another really fun read!
Not too long, not at all heavy, silly but very well-written, a great fifth book of the Steve Minion series.
Not too long, not at all heavy, silly but very well-written, a great fifth book of the Steve Minion series.
May 17, 2021
Really entertaining
Well edited, unlike many (a pet peeve). Well structured, layered characters, believable story arc. A fun read! Looking forward to reading more in series.
Well edited, unlike many (a pet peeve). Well structured, layered characters, believable story arc. A fun read! Looking forward to reading more in series.
June 24, 2021
I'm not sure how I feel about this once. Different. It was ok but didn't feel or a Circle of Hell book
June 27, 2021
the weakest in the series so far, unfortunately
November 10, 2021
Back up to his usual standards good work on this book!
April 24, 2022
I am really enjoying this series. Far out and very funny. Mark Cain has a remarkable imagination. Just awesome.
July 20, 2022
Not the best in the series in my opinion...
March 20, 2024
Love this entire series so far! Funny and well a little thought provoking, in a very curious way. This series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews