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Demon Tales
Demons walk among us.
Fifteen short stories where demonkind come face to face with humankind, the results are sometimes amusing and sometimes horrifying. What they all have in common is a fast moving style which will keep you entertained from start to finish. There may be some who try to deal with Demons and come to regret it, while others may be lucky and enjoy good fortune. Nothing can be taken for granted when the mortal and the demonic collide.
A gambler sells his immortal soul without considering the consequences for himself and his family.
A brutal exorcism tears apart a deeply religious community in a small town.
A demon becomes caught up in a confidence trick, but will he take revenge or was it all part of his plan?
A young girl discovers a secret world and a hidden treasure horde, but begins to realise that perhaps she is not alone.
When armed police confront a demon they find their modern weapons are of little use.
A young mother seeks help from a demon, but the price he asks is more than she is willing to pay.
Bruce Johnson’s tales feature trickery and revenge, demon possession, exorcism, strange new worlds and demon warfare. There are battles and quests for adventurers as well as crimescenes and brutal murders. There are even some moments of dry humour.
These stories are timeless and will appeal to anyone who loves a short story with a wicked twist at the end, as well as those who love the occult for its own sake.
Be prepared for adult themes with some references to sex, violence and the criminal underworld.
Fifteen short stories where demonkind come face to face with humankind, the results are sometimes amusing and sometimes horrifying. What they all have in common is a fast moving style which will keep you entertained from start to finish. There may be some who try to deal with Demons and come to regret it, while others may be lucky and enjoy good fortune. Nothing can be taken for granted when the mortal and the demonic collide.
A gambler sells his immortal soul without considering the consequences for himself and his family.
A brutal exorcism tears apart a deeply religious community in a small town.
A demon becomes caught up in a confidence trick, but will he take revenge or was it all part of his plan?
A young girl discovers a secret world and a hidden treasure horde, but begins to realise that perhaps she is not alone.
When armed police confront a demon they find their modern weapons are of little use.
A young mother seeks help from a demon, but the price he asks is more than she is willing to pay.
Bruce Johnson’s tales feature trickery and revenge, demon possession, exorcism, strange new worlds and demon warfare. There are battles and quests for adventurers as well as crimescenes and brutal murders. There are even some moments of dry humour.
These stories are timeless and will appeal to anyone who loves a short story with a wicked twist at the end, as well as those who love the occult for its own sake.
Be prepared for adult themes with some references to sex, violence and the criminal underworld.
Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2020
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Bruce W. Johnson
13 books8 followersAs an author my aim is to bring happiness to my readers.
I have always had a fascination with history, and way back in 1985 I decided to write a novel based on the Trojan Wars. That proved to be extremely difficult because the well known story of Troy simply did not agree with the findings of modern archaeologists. I spent thirty years doing research in my spare time and produced three non-fiction books on the Late Bronze Age, until finally I had command of the facts and could finally complete the historical romance book which I had always planned. That book was called "Helen of Troy - Her true story was never told" and I think the reviews I have received will provide you with an excellent introduction.
Along the way I undertook another pet project, with three books of fantasy stories starting with "Demon Tales." There was a pattern running through these short stories, a particular reason for writing them, but it would be a spoiler if explained it here. Its all in the last story of each book.
I have also written two light-hearted books packed with funny stories; "Inspirations" charts my career as a schoolteacher, spending 45 years working with teenagers. "Conversations" begins with an incident when I was arrested in Russia, leading to conversations and reminiscences, a wide-ranging collection of funny stories, tall-tales and anecdotes. That set is not yet complete - one day I hope to publish the story of my family which I have traced back before 1500.
Knowing that someone has enjoyed my writing means more to me than royalties or fame ever could. Whether you are an old friend or a new fan, I look forward to your reviews and your messages.
Bruce
I have always had a fascination with history, and way back in 1985 I decided to write a novel based on the Trojan Wars. That proved to be extremely difficult because the well known story of Troy simply did not agree with the findings of modern archaeologists. I spent thirty years doing research in my spare time and produced three non-fiction books on the Late Bronze Age, until finally I had command of the facts and could finally complete the historical romance book which I had always planned. That book was called "Helen of Troy - Her true story was never told" and I think the reviews I have received will provide you with an excellent introduction.
Along the way I undertook another pet project, with three books of fantasy stories starting with "Demon Tales." There was a pattern running through these short stories, a particular reason for writing them, but it would be a spoiler if explained it here. Its all in the last story of each book.
I have also written two light-hearted books packed with funny stories; "Inspirations" charts my career as a schoolteacher, spending 45 years working with teenagers. "Conversations" begins with an incident when I was arrested in Russia, leading to conversations and reminiscences, a wide-ranging collection of funny stories, tall-tales and anecdotes. That set is not yet complete - one day I hope to publish the story of my family which I have traced back before 1500.
Knowing that someone has enjoyed my writing means more to me than royalties or fame ever could. Whether you are an old friend or a new fan, I look forward to your reviews and your messages.
Bruce
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 30, 2026
As much as I love this author's historical fiction works such as Helen of Troy and King of Kings (and I really do; they're phenomenal sagas), I must admit I've developed a real obsession for his demon books. This one, full of demon short stories, has become my recent favorite bedtime reading.
Like all of his books, the battle scenes are wonderfully detailed and realistic. You feel like you're there in the heat of battle. I have no idea how he writes war so well, let alone battles with demons with such vivid realism. "Underworld" is one such story.
He writes his various demons in such a way that they feel very, very real too, his descriptions scarily evocative. In one story, "Through The Circle", he describes a demon with black leathery wings, saying: "The long jaws were bristling with nasty teeth, long wicked, hungry teeth, sharp teeth which could cut through any natural tissue, which could tear and rend human flesh with a single bite." And "Above those terrifying jaws were a pair of evil, burning red eyes which seemed to pulse hated into the gloom..." (The phone rang next to my bed while I was reading this one and I nearly jumped out of my skin. I haven't hidden from monsters under the covers since I was five, but I was tempted, and I was glad I didn't have a mirror in my bedroom.)
He also peppers his stories with cult references to such things as Morlocks and D&D gaming, and Captain Kirk and the Kobayashi Maru, for those of us who like such things as I do. 🖖🏼
Most of the stories have a moral lesson and some serious social commentary. "Primitive Religion" (and Mr. Slimy Toad in) "Getting His Own Back" made me shiver. He adds a bit of factual history in "The Exorcist". Other stories were just quirky and fun, "Adverturers" being one of these. Another of my favorites was "Dressed In Black". I loved the character of Nick. He reminded me of someone in one of my own demon books.
Maybe the eeriest story in the book is "Asylum". One line in particular made me stop and think...and mentally shiver again: "He knew there was a difference between a concentration camp and a psychiatric hospital, but there were similarities too, and that worried him."
Thought-provoking, that one.
I'm closing, I'll say that I've read other authors who write good horror stories, but none that made me think about them afterwards to the degree this one has. I would especially recommend it to book clubs not only as entertaining reading, and short enough for most people to feel comfortable with, but also for providing food for thought and discussion. I'll be recommending it. I hope he writes more in the same vein.
Like all of his books, the battle scenes are wonderfully detailed and realistic. You feel like you're there in the heat of battle. I have no idea how he writes war so well, let alone battles with demons with such vivid realism. "Underworld" is one such story.
He writes his various demons in such a way that they feel very, very real too, his descriptions scarily evocative. In one story, "Through The Circle", he describes a demon with black leathery wings, saying: "The long jaws were bristling with nasty teeth, long wicked, hungry teeth, sharp teeth which could cut through any natural tissue, which could tear and rend human flesh with a single bite." And "Above those terrifying jaws were a pair of evil, burning red eyes which seemed to pulse hated into the gloom..." (The phone rang next to my bed while I was reading this one and I nearly jumped out of my skin. I haven't hidden from monsters under the covers since I was five, but I was tempted, and I was glad I didn't have a mirror in my bedroom.)
He also peppers his stories with cult references to such things as Morlocks and D&D gaming, and Captain Kirk and the Kobayashi Maru, for those of us who like such things as I do. 🖖🏼
Most of the stories have a moral lesson and some serious social commentary. "Primitive Religion" (and Mr. Slimy Toad in) "Getting His Own Back" made me shiver. He adds a bit of factual history in "The Exorcist". Other stories were just quirky and fun, "Adverturers" being one of these. Another of my favorites was "Dressed In Black". I loved the character of Nick. He reminded me of someone in one of my own demon books.
Maybe the eeriest story in the book is "Asylum". One line in particular made me stop and think...and mentally shiver again: "He knew there was a difference between a concentration camp and a psychiatric hospital, but there were similarities too, and that worried him."
Thought-provoking, that one.
I'm closing, I'll say that I've read other authors who write good horror stories, but none that made me think about them afterwards to the degree this one has. I would especially recommend it to book clubs not only as entertaining reading, and short enough for most people to feel comfortable with, but also for providing food for thought and discussion. I'll be recommending it. I hope he writes more in the same vein.
September 30, 2025
Don’t mess with your soul
“Demon Tales” is an imaginative and darkly entertaining collection of short stories where demons and humans cross paths in unexpected ways. Each of the tales explores that encounter from a different angle — sometimes frightening, sometimes ironic, and occasionally even humorous. The author’s style blends elements of horror and fantasy, giving the stories a fast-moving pace and a tone that shifts from eerie to playful without losing cohesion.
I enjoyed that each story, although built on the same underlying idea, felt distinct and unique. The tales take place in different times and settings — from modern-day temptations to ancient rituals — creating a sense of variety and surprise. Some stories are more light, while others are blood-chilling and grim, revealing the darker side of human and demonic nature alike.
I’m definitely planning to read the next installment from Bruce W. Johnson. The concept of exploring humanity through short, supernatural encounters proves both creative and engaging. “Demon Tales” is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy bite-sized horror and fantasy stories with a twist of wit and plenty of imagination.
“Demon Tales” is an imaginative and darkly entertaining collection of short stories where demons and humans cross paths in unexpected ways. Each of the tales explores that encounter from a different angle — sometimes frightening, sometimes ironic, and occasionally even humorous. The author’s style blends elements of horror and fantasy, giving the stories a fast-moving pace and a tone that shifts from eerie to playful without losing cohesion.
I enjoyed that each story, although built on the same underlying idea, felt distinct and unique. The tales take place in different times and settings — from modern-day temptations to ancient rituals — creating a sense of variety and surprise. Some stories are more light, while others are blood-chilling and grim, revealing the darker side of human and demonic nature alike.
I’m definitely planning to read the next installment from Bruce W. Johnson. The concept of exploring humanity through short, supernatural encounters proves both creative and engaging. “Demon Tales” is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy bite-sized horror and fantasy stories with a twist of wit and plenty of imagination.
December 10, 2025
Devilishly Good Fun
"Demon Tales" is a collection of short stories - all on the theme of Demons. It isn't horror, I have shelved it as fantasy, but there is a great variety among the stories, so some are modern urban adventures whereas others are traditional sword and sorcery. In short, there is something here for everyone, even a certain amount of dry humour.
The last chapter is very interesting, helping us to see all of the stories in a certain context, but I am not going to give any spoilers.
Highly recommended.
"Demon Tales" is a collection of short stories - all on the theme of Demons. It isn't horror, I have shelved it as fantasy, but there is a great variety among the stories, so some are modern urban adventures whereas others are traditional sword and sorcery. In short, there is something here for everyone, even a certain amount of dry humour.
The last chapter is very interesting, helping us to see all of the stories in a certain context, but I am not going to give any spoilers.
Highly recommended.
March 9, 2026
I throughly enjoyed this wonderful collection of short stories. Each one was different, and had a surprising twist, that only added to my entertainment. The way the demon was incorporated to each tale was cleverly crafted and beautifully executed.
The explanation of each story at the back was a lovely touch, and showed how the author wanted his readers to understand the stories and engage with each of them.
An absolute gem!
The explanation of each story at the back was a lovely touch, and showed how the author wanted his readers to understand the stories and engage with each of them.
An absolute gem!
October 19, 2019
Loved it! Well paced and diverse selection of stories.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews