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Dan's Inferno #1
Cursed!
Life for Dan Westridge used to be easy.
Used to be. His father was once one of the richest men in the City of Sacramento. So what if his parents never had time for him? Made him work weekends and after school? Only allowed him to date the 'right' kind of women? He still had a pretty easy life: servants, good food, nice clothes, the latest games, and not a lot of expectations working at the family business.
Then one day it all started to very quickly fall apart and months later he's living on the street, slowly starving to death, his parents both dead and every penny of the family fortune is gone. He's been beaten, robbed, and had to learn the hard way how to survive as just another of the unfortunate homeless living on the streets. Still, he's struggling, but he's alive and surely things will get better...
After all, how could it possibly get any worse?
WARNING: “Cursed” contains explicit sexuality, nudity, violence, bad language, attempted murder, actual murder, self-defense, pro-active self-defense, destruction of private property, theft, no arson (yet), demonic sex, gratuitous sex, mayhem, violence, breaking and entering, card cheats, a trip to Stockton (pee-ew! roll up that window!) and a really nice lady who drinks too much.
Used to be. His father was once one of the richest men in the City of Sacramento. So what if his parents never had time for him? Made him work weekends and after school? Only allowed him to date the 'right' kind of women? He still had a pretty easy life: servants, good food, nice clothes, the latest games, and not a lot of expectations working at the family business.
Then one day it all started to very quickly fall apart and months later he's living on the street, slowly starving to death, his parents both dead and every penny of the family fortune is gone. He's been beaten, robbed, and had to learn the hard way how to survive as just another of the unfortunate homeless living on the streets. Still, he's struggling, but he's alive and surely things will get better...
After all, how could it possibly get any worse?
WARNING: “Cursed” contains explicit sexuality, nudity, violence, bad language, attempted murder, actual murder, self-defense, pro-active self-defense, destruction of private property, theft, no arson (yet), demonic sex, gratuitous sex, mayhem, violence, breaking and entering, card cheats, a trip to Stockton (pee-ew! roll up that window!) and a really nice lady who drinks too much.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
389 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Jan Stryvant
56 books551 followersI'm new to the Harem / LitRPG thing (If I'd known more about LitRPG when I wrote Shadow, I might have incorporated more elements of that into it).
I have a FT job, so I work on this when I can. Hopefully the next one will be even better.
https://stryvant.blogspot.com/
I have a FT job, so I work on this when I can. Hopefully the next one will be even better.
https://stryvant.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 7, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
Good story. I wasn't sure when I started but it grew on me. There are shades of the Valens Legacy in this one. The specifics are completely different but the general theme of a man being hunted by a powerful group and needed the help of beautiful women is the same. There are quite a few differences though Overall I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one.
Good story. I wasn't sure when I started but it grew on me. There are shades of the Valens Legacy in this one. The specifics are completely different but the general theme of a man being hunted by a powerful group and needed the help of beautiful women is the same. There are quite a few differences though Overall I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one.
September 8, 2020
Vibes
Really liked it only took a star off cause of Valens Legacy vibes hope it matures into it's own by book 2
Really liked it only took a star off cause of Valens Legacy vibes hope it matures into it's own by book 2
September 12, 2020
I had a hard time getting into this story. Way too much slice of life at the beginning, and not enough action. Wish the author had started the story with the shootout with the Russian mobsters and then backfilled the rest of the story.
I didn't care for the Valens vibe in the book, and I hope that the author does not do a Valens crossover.
Took off a star for way too much slice of life before action, very easily avoided weapons mistake (Google is an author's friend if you are firearms ignorant), and Valens vibe.
I am hoping that if there is another book in what might be a shorter series than the Valens books, that the next book has a lot more action and quite a bit less slice of life. The Valens books generally started with reader grabbing action, Cursed! is all slice of life up to about 75% of the book.
I would like to see more Dan kicking ass in the next book and less Dan running around the greater Sacramento, California area with no clue.
I didn't care for the Valens vibe in the book, and I hope that the author does not do a Valens crossover.
Took off a star for way too much slice of life before action, very easily avoided weapons mistake (Google is an author's friend if you are firearms ignorant), and Valens vibe.
I am hoping that if there is another book in what might be a shorter series than the Valens books, that the next book has a lot more action and quite a bit less slice of life. The Valens books generally started with reader grabbing action, Cursed! is all slice of life up to about 75% of the book.
I would like to see more Dan kicking ass in the next book and less Dan running around the greater Sacramento, California area with no clue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2021
This book wasn’t my cup of tea and not at all the kind of quality I was hoping for after coming from the Valens Legacy.
The key issue here is that this story is lacking any kind of depth and everything is surface level. For example, when the protagonist is first introduced to something supernatural when he didn’t know anything like that exists he doesn’t question it or have any kind of emotional reaction. He simply accepts what is happening as though it is the most normal thing in the world and then jumps on to the next stage of the story.
I’ve seen this so many times in self published books because it is essentially what happens when authors want to skip the hard work of actually establishing characters, setting, relationships and other vital elements in favour of just jumping straight into the fun stuff. However, that is always a losing tactic because without any of that stuff the rest of the story just doesn’t have any impact and that fun stuff isn’t nearly as fun as it should be.
Essentially I’m saying that this is an underdeveloped story with weak characters, rushed relationships and equally rushed world building. As a result the story is only surface level and there’s nothing to sink your teeth into.
Overall, this is a really disappointing story that is made even more so simply because this is an author that I know can deliver the exact opposite of everything I just described.
2-stars.
The key issue here is that this story is lacking any kind of depth and everything is surface level. For example, when the protagonist is first introduced to something supernatural when he didn’t know anything like that exists he doesn’t question it or have any kind of emotional reaction. He simply accepts what is happening as though it is the most normal thing in the world and then jumps on to the next stage of the story.
I’ve seen this so many times in self published books because it is essentially what happens when authors want to skip the hard work of actually establishing characters, setting, relationships and other vital elements in favour of just jumping straight into the fun stuff. However, that is always a losing tactic because without any of that stuff the rest of the story just doesn’t have any impact and that fun stuff isn’t nearly as fun as it should be.
Essentially I’m saying that this is an underdeveloped story with weak characters, rushed relationships and equally rushed world building. As a result the story is only surface level and there’s nothing to sink your teeth into.
Overall, this is a really disappointing story that is made even more so simply because this is an author that I know can deliver the exact opposite of everything I just described.
2-stars.
March 13, 2023
So far I’m hooked
This was an interesting story in so many ways. First off, Dan’s love interests are pretty inhuman. Yes, they’re demonesses and they’re going to look bizarre by our standards, but the way they’re described and the fact that he’s in love with them is definitely a unique twist.
Wrath is a cat demoness with the typical horns and wings. She also wields a sword. Aella is literally a cat demoness with tentacles protruding from her back. How strange is that? It’s even stranger that they’ve only met each other and are already hitting the sack a few times. At least it’s a mutual feeling between the three.
Dan’s an interesting character. He’s gruff, but has a heart and is eager to learn to accomplish his goal. Wrath and Aella are fun to read about too. Most of the humor is derived from their demeanor and antics. Despite being demonesses, they actually do grow to care for him and he soon returns the favor.
The fight scenes were cool. Brief yet gory and to the point.
The sex scenes were interesting. Definitely hot, but strange at times considering who he’s doing it with.
I noticed there were a few typo errors here and there, but for the most part, the writing is fluid and really keeps your attention.
If you like harems with inhuman characters, this’s for you. I look forward to the other 3. Dan’s showdown with Wesen has to be cool.
This was an interesting story in so many ways. First off, Dan’s love interests are pretty inhuman. Yes, they’re demonesses and they’re going to look bizarre by our standards, but the way they’re described and the fact that he’s in love with them is definitely a unique twist.
Wrath is a cat demoness with the typical horns and wings. She also wields a sword. Aella is literally a cat demoness with tentacles protruding from her back. How strange is that? It’s even stranger that they’ve only met each other and are already hitting the sack a few times. At least it’s a mutual feeling between the three.
Dan’s an interesting character. He’s gruff, but has a heart and is eager to learn to accomplish his goal. Wrath and Aella are fun to read about too. Most of the humor is derived from their demeanor and antics. Despite being demonesses, they actually do grow to care for him and he soon returns the favor.
The fight scenes were cool. Brief yet gory and to the point.
The sex scenes were interesting. Definitely hot, but strange at times considering who he’s doing it with.
I noticed there were a few typo errors here and there, but for the most part, the writing is fluid and really keeps your attention.
If you like harems with inhuman characters, this’s for you. I look forward to the other 3. Dan’s showdown with Wesen has to be cool.
January 3, 2022
So i just finished my first book of the year of 2022 and i well i must speak about it.
That book being Dan’s Inferno book one cursed by Jan Stryvant. I was exploring the arse end of goodreads and found this, the cover caught my attention because i am a bit of a freak.
Anyway..... i really liked the characters, the protagonist Dan i felt i really could relate to him being a nice guy and how he approached situations and how his relationship with the other characters developed.
Wraith the cat like demon and her friend Aella the black panther like demon both scare me but they are also caring girls.
I liked the plot and to get it out of the way there is sex i mean with lovely fantasy ladies how could there not be? But its short and to the point and not overly descriptive.
Now not being an emotional man there was a few scenes where if i could cry, a tear might have come out, but crying is something i cant do. My black heart may have grown in size so there is that.
Dan is a man after my own heart, he was, even though he was scarred at times , he treated this ladies like ladies, doesnt matter that they are not humans, so i was proud as punch about that.
The rest of the series is already on it way to me. So lets see how it goes from here
That book being Dan’s Inferno book one cursed by Jan Stryvant. I was exploring the arse end of goodreads and found this, the cover caught my attention because i am a bit of a freak.
Anyway..... i really liked the characters, the protagonist Dan i felt i really could relate to him being a nice guy and how he approached situations and how his relationship with the other characters developed.
Wraith the cat like demon and her friend Aella the black panther like demon both scare me but they are also caring girls.
I liked the plot and to get it out of the way there is sex i mean with lovely fantasy ladies how could there not be? But its short and to the point and not overly descriptive.
Now not being an emotional man there was a few scenes where if i could cry, a tear might have come out, but crying is something i cant do. My black heart may have grown in size so there is that.
Dan is a man after my own heart, he was, even though he was scarred at times , he treated this ladies like ladies, doesnt matter that they are not humans, so i was proud as punch about that.
The rest of the series is already on it way to me. So lets see how it goes from here
March 18, 2021
If you can't kill em, join em.
I really enjoyed reading Dan's Inferno. The story is fast paced with likeable characters, you really get a feel for them as they join together to break the curses placed on them. Dan is down on his luck due to his curse, but things start to look up for him when he accidentally activates another curse, freeing Wrath from her prison. To free herself from her curse, she is supposed to kill whomever frees her, meaning Dan. Unfortunately for her, his curse overrides hers. So in order to break hers, she must instead break his. After investigating the curse they find that both curses came from the same person, and that several of her demon friends all disappeared at around the same time she did. Thus starts their journey to rescue her friends from their prisons and dealing with the man responsible for everything that has happened to all of them.
I really enjoyed reading Dan's Inferno. The story is fast paced with likeable characters, you really get a feel for them as they join together to break the curses placed on them. Dan is down on his luck due to his curse, but things start to look up for him when he accidentally activates another curse, freeing Wrath from her prison. To free herself from her curse, she is supposed to kill whomever frees her, meaning Dan. Unfortunately for her, his curse overrides hers. So in order to break hers, she must instead break his. After investigating the curse they find that both curses came from the same person, and that several of her demon friends all disappeared at around the same time she did. Thus starts their journey to rescue her friends from their prisons and dealing with the man responsible for everything that has happened to all of them.
September 5, 2020
One crazy fun evil ride
The main character lost his family but gained a new one. The new women who are his family are very beautiful and yet somewhat evil as well as they seem to be demonic cat women. The main character Dan and the Catwoman are both cursed and so together they set out to break the curse and seek revenge on the wizard who cursed them. There are evil curses evil wizards evil circumstances despicable men and murders Will our heroes be able to make it through these challenges? I know the thing you should know is that this is an erotic novel with elements of heram in it. I am very interested to see if they survive and what happens next in the story.
The main character lost his family but gained a new one. The new women who are his family are very beautiful and yet somewhat evil as well as they seem to be demonic cat women. The main character Dan and the Catwoman are both cursed and so together they set out to break the curse and seek revenge on the wizard who cursed them. There are evil curses evil wizards evil circumstances despicable men and murders Will our heroes be able to make it through these challenges? I know the thing you should know is that this is an erotic novel with elements of heram in it. I am very interested to see if they survive and what happens next in the story.
Currently reading
September 15, 2020Good new series from awesome author
So if you haven't read any world of this author then this is a good start. This new series of his has a similar start to one of his other popular series. That is that the MC, Dan, has had some tragedy recently and down on his luck...This time because of a curse. After accidentally summoning a Demon the fun starts as both, and soon to be all, involved with him have curse issues to deal with. Awesome beginning to a fun series. More soonest please!!
So if you haven't read any world of this author then this is a good start. This new series of his has a similar start to one of his other popular series. That is that the MC, Dan, has had some tragedy recently and down on his luck...This time because of a curse. After accidentally summoning a Demon the fun starts as both, and soon to be all, involved with him have curse issues to deal with. Awesome beginning to a fun series. More soonest please!!
September 22, 2020
It has everything that made the Valens Legacy series good and more. Dan might not be a werelion but I know he's gonna get even stronger as the books progress. I loved Wrath's personality and hope Aella gets some more screen time in book 2!
The start pulls no punches and throws you straight into a world of demons, magic and curses. Dan and Wrath go on a road trip aiming to free four other trapped demons and relieving their curses. I loved this aspect and it made for an adventurous twist.
As always Jan's writing is great, although I do wish this was quite a bit longer.
The start pulls no punches and throws you straight into a world of demons, magic and curses. Dan and Wrath go on a road trip aiming to free four other trapped demons and relieving their curses. I loved this aspect and it made for an adventurous twist.
As always Jan's writing is great, although I do wish this was quite a bit longer.
October 4, 2020
So far it’s Valens Legacy with a twist! The main characters back story is very reminiscent of of Valens Legacy. The storyline is generally interesting though.
Boris and his relationship with his owner/partner/pet (not quite sure myself) has added an amusing element of light relief, and a quirky dynamic.
It’s early days and I’m hoping that Dan will become a much more interesting and well rounded character. Also that the wildly imaginative writing that gave us the Valens Legacy stretches further from his previous series in to something a little more unique. Easy for me to say!
Boris and his relationship with his owner/partner/pet (not quite sure myself) has added an amusing element of light relief, and a quirky dynamic.
It’s early days and I’m hoping that Dan will become a much more interesting and well rounded character. Also that the wildly imaginative writing that gave us the Valens Legacy stretches further from his previous series in to something a little more unique. Easy for me to say!
December 30, 2021
I'm impressed. Even though the MC is a bit typical, it is the girls/demons that steal the show. They actually have a relationship with each other. When the MC is sleeping the girls have conversions with each other that do not involve the main character. So many times in these types of books, when the female characters talk to each other it is off screen, or its mentioned as an after thought that the main character sees them talking and "hopes they work it all out". It isn't often that the reader gets the opportunity to see the relationships between the girls and their feelings about the guy develop.
September 2, 2020
Good start to a new series!
Started off a little slow and I was worried it wouldn't live up to some of the author's other works.
It didn't take long to pick up the pace. The MC's curse is an interesting twist that I can see being used to develop a really interesting story moving forward. Also, can't wait to see the "rule of law" come into play down the road. These plot devices have a lot of potential.
Started off a little slow and I was worried it wouldn't live up to some of the author's other works.
It didn't take long to pick up the pace. The MC's curse is an interesting twist that I can see being used to develop a really interesting story moving forward. Also, can't wait to see the "rule of law" come into play down the road. These plot devices have a lot of potential.
September 2, 2020
Fun
This isn't deep, philosophical, or particularly complex, but it is pretty fun. Boy meets girl, girl wants revenge, boy is cursed by the same jerk, revenge requires freeing girl's friends from magical prisons, all girls are grateful.
The first of a new series. Some proofreading issues, and Stryvant's usual abbreviation obfuscation, hampered my enjoyment. Still, a good start and fun to read.
This isn't deep, philosophical, or particularly complex, but it is pretty fun. Boy meets girl, girl wants revenge, boy is cursed by the same jerk, revenge requires freeing girl's friends from magical prisons, all girls are grateful.
The first of a new series. Some proofreading issues, and Stryvant's usual abbreviation obfuscation, hampered my enjoyment. Still, a good start and fun to read.
September 3, 2020
Good but short
As with most of Jon/Jan’s stories they are well written, and involve girls with feline features, this time they are also demons. A cursed guy gets an additional curse but manages to avoid being killed. More high jinks occur, including several sex scenes and harem aspects emerge. The book was short but a lot of fun to read, hopefully I won’t have to wait long for the next book as it just sort of stops half way towards his current goal.
As with most of Jon/Jan’s stories they are well written, and involve girls with feline features, this time they are also demons. A cursed guy gets an additional curse but manages to avoid being killed. More high jinks occur, including several sex scenes and harem aspects emerge. The book was short but a lot of fun to read, hopefully I won’t have to wait long for the next book as it just sort of stops half way towards his current goal.
October 3, 2020
Excellent Story
This is a well written book with great characters! Dan has inherited a curse that was put on his Father by a mage who wants to control Sacramento. The cause was working and Dan was on his last legs when he meets a hot demon who was also cursed by the same mage. They're working together not only to free Dan an themselves and their friends from the curse while having great sex in the process. This is a fun read, you're going to enjoy!
This is a well written book with great characters! Dan has inherited a curse that was put on his Father by a mage who wants to control Sacramento. The cause was working and Dan was on his last legs when he meets a hot demon who was also cursed by the same mage. They're working together not only to free Dan an themselves and their friends from the curse while having great sex in the process. This is a fun read, you're going to enjoy!
March 29, 2021
I'm cursed with a harem! Why me?!
So I finished the Valens Legacy, and saw that he started writing this new series, so I decided to read the first one and see if it would be a good follow up.
As of now I see it as a bit of a fast paced development that feels like a downgraded Valens Legacy. I'll see about reading the second book and deciding if I'll continue this series.
3 stars out of 5.
So I finished the Valens Legacy, and saw that he started writing this new series, so I decided to read the first one and see if it would be a good follow up.
As of now I see it as a bit of a fast paced development that feels like a downgraded Valens Legacy. I'll see about reading the second book and deciding if I'll continue this series.
3 stars out of 5.
September 4, 2020
Great start to a new story
I was really surprised at the amount of story building and plot in such a short first book. There is so much going on and the plot flows so well that it felt much longer than 177 pages.
Nothing felt rushed and the characters are detailed and compelling. I can’t wait to see what happens next and hope this is just the start of a wonderful series.
I was really surprised at the amount of story building and plot in such a short first book. There is so much going on and the plot flows so well that it felt much longer than 177 pages.
Nothing felt rushed and the characters are detailed and compelling. I can’t wait to see what happens next and hope this is just the start of a wonderful series.
September 4, 2020
A great new book
I like the world and found the main character to be different.I hope you plan to do many more books with this character, but if not to be maybe set more books to fill out the world.again thanks for all your hard work. And I hope your own world finds some more peace.
I like the world and found the main character to be different.I hope you plan to do many more books with this character, but if not to be maybe set more books to fill out the world.again thanks for all your hard work. And I hope your own world finds some more peace.
November 26, 2020
Cat demons are here the end is nigh
Overall a very good book, I very much enjoyed the writing oh, Pace the structure was good it was not many grammatical errors which among self-published books can sometimes be very bad but this book was fine. Also I like the story and I definitely will be reading volume two, and maybe volume three
Overall a very good book, I very much enjoyed the writing oh, Pace the structure was good it was not many grammatical errors which among self-published books can sometimes be very bad but this book was fine. Also I like the story and I definitely will be reading volume two, and maybe volume three
October 10, 2022
Rushed
I feel like I'm writing a lot of reviews with that summary title. There's no setup here, things just happen. The MC and his new girlfriend take everything in their stride; the most egregious of which is the amount random thugs appearing out of nowhere and then being killed by the leading couple.
I feel like I'm writing a lot of reviews with that summary title. There's no setup here, things just happen. The MC and his new girlfriend take everything in their stride; the most egregious of which is the amount random thugs appearing out of nowhere and then being killed by the leading couple.
September 2, 2020
Solid fun new series for Stryvant
I was a fan for the whole Valens Legacy series , and this is the start of a new one for Jan. It's a good one. Other than the harem aspect It's not at all like the legacy series. Check it out. Good fun.
I was a fan for the whole Valens Legacy series , and this is the start of a new one for Jan. It's a good one. Other than the harem aspect It's not at all like the legacy series. Check it out. Good fun.
September 7, 2020
Demonic blessings
This was a fantastic start to what I'm sure will be an amazing new series! The characters are really engaging and the overall story and world are a ton of fun! Can't wait for the next!
This was a fantastic start to what I'm sure will be an amazing new series! The characters are really engaging and the overall story and world are a ton of fun! Can't wait for the next!
September 7, 2020
Awesomeness!!
In a word, awesome!! This new effort by Jan Stryvant has everything you've come to expect from his work, but with a difference. Really looking forward to the next book!!
In a word, awesome!! This new effort by Jan Stryvant has everything you've come to expect from his work, but with a difference. Really looking forward to the next book!!
September 7, 2020
Fun
This is a fast and fun harem series that focuses on action, magic, and Sacramento. It’s easy in details and characters, and after this intro, book 2 should be a very active and interesting romp indeed. Recommended (15*).
This is a fast and fun harem series that focuses on action, magic, and Sacramento. It’s easy in details and characters, and after this intro, book 2 should be a very active and interesting romp indeed. Recommended (15*).
September 8, 2020
Great
The First chapter was brilliant with the interaction between Dan and Wrath being amazingly funny! The rest of it follows similar themes with others of its genre but is well written and engaging and leaves you wanting to know what happens next!
The First chapter was brilliant with the interaction between Dan and Wrath being amazingly funny! The rest of it follows similar themes with others of its genre but is well written and engaging and leaves you wanting to know what happens next!
September 19, 2020
Good book that's as fun as popcorn!
I like the author from his previous series so decided to check it out. No high fantasy epic here, but if you like humour, romance and great action give this book a try.
I like the author from his previous series so decided to check it out. No high fantasy epic here, but if you like humour, romance and great action give this book a try.
September 22, 2020
New series by one of my favorite authors
Great book in a new series by one of my favorite authors makes me happy that there’s a lot more to come. Couldn’t put this one down until I finished it.
Great book in a new series by one of my favorite authors makes me happy that there’s a lot more to come. Couldn’t put this one down until I finished it.
October 5, 2020
Good Read
This was a good start to a new series and an enjoyable story. The MC and the women were well written and fun to read about, and the plot was fast paced. Overall I enjoyed it and will read the next in the series.
This was a good start to a new series and an enjoyable story. The MC and the women were well written and fun to read about, and the plot was fast paced. Overall I enjoyed it and will read the next in the series.
October 21, 2020
What an excellent story!
I really enjoyed this book. Excellent, fun read. Totally recommend. Fantasy demons and magic set in a modern world. Lots of action and a compelling story line. Looking forward to the next one.
I really enjoyed this book. Excellent, fun read. Totally recommend. Fantasy demons and magic set in a modern world. Lots of action and a compelling story line. Looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews