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The Book of Ze'ev #1
Treif Magic
Ze'ev Kaplan is not your average prayer leader. Hell, he's not even a prayer leader, despite what his friends, family, and girlfriend might think.
Ze'ev leads a strange double life, as an exorcist and monster-hunter for the Jewish Community of Texas. What starts as a simple exorcism reveals him to the schemes of a sordid necromancer who will stop at nothing to kill anyone who stands in his way. The mad man sends an assassin after Ze'ev setting off a chain of events that has him dodging cultists, ghouls, the cops, and an overweight bulldog at every turn.
Can Ze'ev beat the odds and put an end to the necromantic cult festering in the heart of Texas, or will he end up being the victim of Treif Magic?
Book 1 of the 'Book of Ze'ev' Series
Ze'ev leads a strange double life, as an exorcist and monster-hunter for the Jewish Community of Texas. What starts as a simple exorcism reveals him to the schemes of a sordid necromancer who will stop at nothing to kill anyone who stands in his way. The mad man sends an assassin after Ze'ev setting off a chain of events that has him dodging cultists, ghouls, the cops, and an overweight bulldog at every turn.
Can Ze'ev beat the odds and put an end to the necromantic cult festering in the heart of Texas, or will he end up being the victim of Treif Magic?
Book 1 of the 'Book of Ze'ev' Series
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2020
3 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
John Baltisberger
56 books133 followersJohn Baltisberger is an author of speculative and genre fiction that often focuses on Jewish Elements. Through his writing, he has explored themes of mysticism, faith, sin, and personal responsibility. He lives in Austin, TX with his wife and his daughter.
Though mostly known for his bizarre blend of Jewish mysticism and splatter, John defies being labeled under any one genre. His work has spanned extreme horror, urban fantasy, science fiction, cosmic horror, epic verse, and he has even written a guide for mindful meditation.
While relatively new to the writing community, (his first book was published in 2018) John has become known for his work in verse, having worked in both extremely short works and massive novella-length poetic epics. He continues to work to push himself to explore new avenues of expression and horror literature.
Though mostly known for his bizarre blend of Jewish mysticism and splatter, John defies being labeled under any one genre. His work has spanned extreme horror, urban fantasy, science fiction, cosmic horror, epic verse, and he has even written a guide for mindful meditation.
While relatively new to the writing community, (his first book was published in 2018) John has become known for his work in verse, having worked in both extremely short works and massive novella-length poetic epics. He continues to work to push himself to explore new avenues of expression and horror literature.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 8, 2021
I love a great exorcist story and this one is fantastic. I love John’s writing! He definitely makes me think when I read his work. It’s been a long time since I have been drawn into something really new. I loved this book.
August 31, 2020
Treif Magic by John Baltisberger is a fantastic and unique urban fantasy horror, and I truly hope to see more of these. This supernatural horror story is based on Jewish lore and mysticism, a largely overlooked premise in horror. And I love it!
Treif Magic is engrossing and fast-paced. The story rolls with intrigue, suspense, and vivid action. The characters are very well done and set the tone of the whole tale, from the dark humor to the darker horrors. Jewish exorcism is just one facet of this jewel of a tale. It also has a culturally different take on ghouls, necromancy, and other supernatural and demonic concepts often seen in urban horror.
Baltisberger’s extensive knowledge of Jewish lore is evident in every page of the story and gives it authenticity and depth and flow. It opens up a new world of urban horror for those of us not versed in this rich history. And fear not, like many epic fantasy authors, John has provided footnotes for those terms you may not be able to put in context.
This breakout novel adds a whole new dimension to the horror genre. It’s fresh and captivating and really fun read. Shelf-worthy and highly recommended.
Treif Magic is engrossing and fast-paced. The story rolls with intrigue, suspense, and vivid action. The characters are very well done and set the tone of the whole tale, from the dark humor to the darker horrors. Jewish exorcism is just one facet of this jewel of a tale. It also has a culturally different take on ghouls, necromancy, and other supernatural and demonic concepts often seen in urban horror.
Baltisberger’s extensive knowledge of Jewish lore is evident in every page of the story and gives it authenticity and depth and flow. It opens up a new world of urban horror for those of us not versed in this rich history. And fear not, like many epic fantasy authors, John has provided footnotes for those terms you may not be able to put in context.
This breakout novel adds a whole new dimension to the horror genre. It’s fresh and captivating and really fun read. Shelf-worthy and highly recommended.
October 22, 2021
Treif Magic tells the story of a Jewish exorcist and the work he does to help his community be at peace from dark forces. I am incredibly thankful for the footnotes that explain all of the Jewish terms as they are used. I would have looked them up anyways, but having them there on the page for easy access made comprehending the story so much simpler.
The uniqueness of this story makes it captivating and hard to put down. The idea of an exorcist isn’t something horror is unfamiliar with, but having a Rabbi exorcist that not only deals with ghosts, but ghouls and other dark forces kept me interested through the book. As Ze’ev tries to identify a necromancer who has begun targeting him, he also faces off against cult followers and ghouls. The presented tidbits of his backstory make me want to know more about Ze’ev, and what really happened that brought him down this path.
Treif Magic is a great introduction into Ze’ev’s world, and I’m excited to join him in his investigations into the supernatural.
The uniqueness of this story makes it captivating and hard to put down. The idea of an exorcist isn’t something horror is unfamiliar with, but having a Rabbi exorcist that not only deals with ghosts, but ghouls and other dark forces kept me interested through the book. As Ze’ev tries to identify a necromancer who has begun targeting him, he also faces off against cult followers and ghouls. The presented tidbits of his backstory make me want to know more about Ze’ev, and what really happened that brought him down this path.
Treif Magic is a great introduction into Ze’ev’s world, and I’m excited to join him in his investigations into the supernatural.
January 30, 2021
John Baltisberger's Treif Magic is at once a captivating urban fantasy/horror tale and simultaneously an introduction to Jewish culture and mythology/spirituality for those who are viewing the story from outside of that society. I've always argued that the best fiction still manages to teach us something while we're immersed within it and the best lessons are framed in a narrative structure to better convey and reinforce the information to be learned. This book succeeds in proving that point quite well.
As a story, Treif Magic introduces us to the world of Ze'ev Kaplan, a man who could have been a rabbi if life had turned out differently. Instead, encounters with inhuman forces of both evil and good have marked him and led him down a path that's molded him into something that's equal parts private detective, magician, and exorcist.
In my opinion, it'll be a damn shame if Ze'ev doesn't become as iconic within the urban fantasy genre as Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden because there are definitely strong parallels between the two characters while Baltisberger manages to avoid a lot of the "Mary Sue" narrative cheats that Butcher employs in his Dresden Files, ultimately making Ze'ev the more human and relatable of the two characters. In that sense, the character is more in line with Anton Gorodetsky from Lukyanenko's Night Watch (and its sequels), Carl Kolchak from the classic television series, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, or Harry D'Amour from Clive Barker's literary universe (and the film adaptation of The Last Illusion, Lord of Illusions).
Filled with supernatural creatures, powerful necromancers, magic, action, and mystery, there's so much to love about this book.
Without offering up any spoilers, I suspect many readers will come away wanting more and with a burning question begging for an answer: Who is this "she" that the necromancer mentions near the end?
Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. May as well pick up a copy for a friend or family member too, since it's always fun to have people you can discuss your books with.
As a story, Treif Magic introduces us to the world of Ze'ev Kaplan, a man who could have been a rabbi if life had turned out differently. Instead, encounters with inhuman forces of both evil and good have marked him and led him down a path that's molded him into something that's equal parts private detective, magician, and exorcist.
In my opinion, it'll be a damn shame if Ze'ev doesn't become as iconic within the urban fantasy genre as Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden because there are definitely strong parallels between the two characters while Baltisberger manages to avoid a lot of the "Mary Sue" narrative cheats that Butcher employs in his Dresden Files, ultimately making Ze'ev the more human and relatable of the two characters. In that sense, the character is more in line with Anton Gorodetsky from Lukyanenko's Night Watch (and its sequels), Carl Kolchak from the classic television series, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, or Harry D'Amour from Clive Barker's literary universe (and the film adaptation of The Last Illusion, Lord of Illusions).
Filled with supernatural creatures, powerful necromancers, magic, action, and mystery, there's so much to love about this book.
Without offering up any spoilers, I suspect many readers will come away wanting more and with a burning question begging for an answer: Who is this "she" that the necromancer mentions near the end?
Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. May as well pick up a copy for a friend or family member too, since it's always fun to have people you can discuss your books with.
October 14, 2020
Treif Magic follows Ze’ev, a Jewish supernatural hunter, as he tries to find and stop those responsible for re-animating the dead. The story takes place in Texas, primarily Dallas and Austin. Ze’ev partners with Rivkah, who is a chemist and mystic researcher to prepare and take on evil at every turn.
Because the book focuses on Ze’ev and his Jewish heritage, there are quite a few footnotes for Jewish word usage throughout the book which for me, made it difficult to read in the beginning. But, it got easier as the story went on. His training relies on Jewish mysticism, myths and lore which he readily utilizes to take on evil. This was a different type of read for me because I am not well versed on the Jewish religion or beliefs. I enjoyed the story and it’s characters. If you like adventure with some supernatural elements thrown in, this story is for you!
Because the book focuses on Ze’ev and his Jewish heritage, there are quite a few footnotes for Jewish word usage throughout the book which for me, made it difficult to read in the beginning. But, it got easier as the story went on. His training relies on Jewish mysticism, myths and lore which he readily utilizes to take on evil. This was a different type of read for me because I am not well versed on the Jewish religion or beliefs. I enjoyed the story and it’s characters. If you like adventure with some supernatural elements thrown in, this story is for you!
February 8, 2025
Picked up a copy at a horror book festival in San Antonio last year. I'm new-ish to horror, and this on-the-shorter-side was a super fun weekend read. I thought it was a fascinating take on Jewish mysticism and magic!
January 25, 2021
This was a really fun book. Ze'ev reminds me a of a modern day/ mystic version of Mickey Spillane's "Mike Hammer." I'd love to read more about this character's crazy adventures.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews