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Next Life #2
The Ripper
John Pepo, an Irishman who emigrated with his family into England, lived an ordinary life with ordinary dreams; but then, everything changed. Shortly before the tragic death of his family, John began having other dreams. He dreamed of a young man covered in lightning, a girl with tattoos, and of a man marked with VI from another world. However, what John dreamed about most of all was of fire, and of laughter.
After being summoned to London, John finds himself in Whitechapel. There, in the impoverished district known for its whores and beggars, he's met by a strange being in a dark alley who declares himself to be Jack the Ripper. Jack tells him he's been watching him; that he's been waiting for this day, a day foretold by the gods so that together they can fix a great aberration blighting the city.
Thus begins the riveting quest of the infamous Jack the Ripper and his most beloved friend John. As the devilish Jack haunts the streets like a spectre while mutilating his victims, the tales of those they damned and those they saved come to light. This is a story of loss, demons, witches, and the torment of one man by the puppeteering hands of a very stingy individual named Old Nick.
After being summoned to London, John finds himself in Whitechapel. There, in the impoverished district known for its whores and beggars, he's met by a strange being in a dark alley who declares himself to be Jack the Ripper. Jack tells him he's been watching him; that he's been waiting for this day, a day foretold by the gods so that together they can fix a great aberration blighting the city.
Thus begins the riveting quest of the infamous Jack the Ripper and his most beloved friend John. As the devilish Jack haunts the streets like a spectre while mutilating his victims, the tales of those they damned and those they saved come to light. This is a story of loss, demons, witches, and the torment of one man by the puppeteering hands of a very stingy individual named Old Nick.
- GenresHorror
223 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
James G. Robertson
4 books7 followersBorn in 1990, James G. Robertson grew up in the small town of Pratt, Kansas. He has lived across the U.S., including Texas, Missouri, and New York, where he graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in theatre.
James began writing his debut novel Afterworld in 2010. After a long hiatus, he published it in April 2020. He now writes while working in education and plans for his expansive series to span over 30 publications.
James began writing his debut novel Afterworld in 2010. After a long hiatus, he published it in April 2020. He now writes while working in education and plans for his expansive series to span over 30 publications.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 11, 2022
One man, Jack the Ripper, haunted the dark streets of Whitechapel in the year 1888. One may not wish to call him a man, for at the end of the day, he never was, not entirely. The Ripper was and always has been more of a specter than a man, but who is he? The stories you've been told couldn't be further from the truth—a barber, a doctor, and even a prince?
Ahead is a look into the real Ripper's story from his eyes and those among him. The riveting story of Jack and his most beloved friend, John, along with those they saved, and those they damned at the request of the goddess, Fate, finally comes to light. This is a story of loss, demons, witches, and the tormenting of one man by the puppeteering hands of one very stingy individual named old Nick.
This was a novel that was VERY slow to start and I honestly nearly DNF’d it because at times the plot was confusing, especially in the opening chapters but I am glad I stuck at it.
Robertson gives a new perspective of the done to death Jack the Ripper storyline and offers a fresh take on it as well as its infamous protagonist.
I enjoyed John’s ongoing turmoil and torment with being trapped with Jack ‘The Ripper’ inside him. The general plot line was interesting and intriguing as it utilised known events but gave a new spin on them.
However, I really could have done without the continuous rhyming verse that Jack spoke in - at times I felt like I was stuck in a R-rated Dr Seuss novel. Not ideal!
Ahead is a look into the real Ripper's story from his eyes and those among him. The riveting story of Jack and his most beloved friend, John, along with those they saved, and those they damned at the request of the goddess, Fate, finally comes to light. This is a story of loss, demons, witches, and the tormenting of one man by the puppeteering hands of one very stingy individual named old Nick.
This was a novel that was VERY slow to start and I honestly nearly DNF’d it because at times the plot was confusing, especially in the opening chapters but I am glad I stuck at it.
Robertson gives a new perspective of the done to death Jack the Ripper storyline and offers a fresh take on it as well as its infamous protagonist.
I enjoyed John’s ongoing turmoil and torment with being trapped with Jack ‘The Ripper’ inside him. The general plot line was interesting and intriguing as it utilised known events but gave a new spin on them.
However, I really could have done without the continuous rhyming verse that Jack spoke in - at times I felt like I was stuck in a R-rated Dr Seuss novel. Not ideal!
May 20, 2023
I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy through StoryOrigin. All of the opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
There is no doubt, that this author has a very creative mind. The myth of Jack the Ripper is deep, and this one only adds to it.
I listened to the new edition, where chapter 3 has been moved and although I didn't care for the introduction from the author, I wasn't confused like many former readers were.
The sounds (although graphic at times) and the different voices are great. It’s not for the squeamish though. Jack’s voice can be a little annoying at times, but it adds to the tale. I'm not always a fan of full-cast audiobooks, but this one did a great job.
This is a good listen if you’re looking for something different and enjoy graphic horror!
There is no doubt, that this author has a very creative mind. The myth of Jack the Ripper is deep, and this one only adds to it.
I listened to the new edition, where chapter 3 has been moved and although I didn't care for the introduction from the author, I wasn't confused like many former readers were.
The sounds (although graphic at times) and the different voices are great. It’s not for the squeamish though. Jack’s voice can be a little annoying at times, but it adds to the tale. I'm not always a fan of full-cast audiobooks, but this one did a great job.
This is a good listen if you’re looking for something different and enjoy graphic horror!
March 27, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Ripper: The First Next Life
Author: James G. Robertson
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 22
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 6/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 22 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
11 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
11 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“An interesting story with a different slant on Jack the Ripper. A bit bloody here and there, with plenty of foul language which was appropriate to the time and place the book is set in. Possibly a bit slow to get going, but not bad at all.” Male reader, aged 43
“Had good pacing, particularly the second half. I enjoyed the old London setting. I got a little confused in the middle, but it all worked out in the end. I also read Afterworld by this author which I felt was a stronger novel. But this is a good scary read for a dark Halloween night!” Female reader, aged 37
“An interesting mix of horror, fantasy and historical. The story flows, the setting well-described and atmospheric. Anybody interested in Jack the Ripper might enjoy this alternative look at the killer and why he did what he did. I felt the cover was too cartoonish and didn´t fit the story. But I´d recommend this to lovers of horror.” Female reader, aged 52
“The author has put a lot of thought into the Next Life books. He´s crafted a complex and interesting plot.” Male reader, aged 48
To Sum It Up:
‘An enthralling dark fantasy with a cleverly crafted plot.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Ripper: The First Next Life
Author: James G. Robertson
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 22
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 6/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 22 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
11 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
11 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“An interesting story with a different slant on Jack the Ripper. A bit bloody here and there, with plenty of foul language which was appropriate to the time and place the book is set in. Possibly a bit slow to get going, but not bad at all.” Male reader, aged 43
“Had good pacing, particularly the second half. I enjoyed the old London setting. I got a little confused in the middle, but it all worked out in the end. I also read Afterworld by this author which I felt was a stronger novel. But this is a good scary read for a dark Halloween night!” Female reader, aged 37
“An interesting mix of horror, fantasy and historical. The story flows, the setting well-described and atmospheric. Anybody interested in Jack the Ripper might enjoy this alternative look at the killer and why he did what he did. I felt the cover was too cartoonish and didn´t fit the story. But I´d recommend this to lovers of horror.” Female reader, aged 52
“The author has put a lot of thought into the Next Life books. He´s crafted a complex and interesting plot.” Male reader, aged 48
To Sum It Up:
‘An enthralling dark fantasy with a cleverly crafted plot.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
March 9, 2022
In 1888, women are being killed and mutilated in Whitechapel. Jack the Ripper has taken over his best friend’s body. There are two personalities in one body. Jack the Ripper has been instructed by the gods to kill the “dark”as London is more “dark” than light. Someone named Nick is having his witches collect souls. Why? Jack/John speaks to the good witch clans to have them help find Nick so Jack/John can kill him. Meanwhile they search for the witches that Nick has to stop them collecting souls. Will they be successful?
This is at times a bloody novel. It’s not as bad as I thought it might be. It was a book that at first I found to be a slow book but as you get further into the book it isn’t so slow. I liked the different story of Jack the Ripper. It made it quite interesting. As I understand, this book is a prequel that needs to be read before the first volume. The combination of Jack/John was quite fascinating to me.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
This is at times a bloody novel. It’s not as bad as I thought it might be. It was a book that at first I found to be a slow book but as you get further into the book it isn’t so slow. I liked the different story of Jack the Ripper. It made it quite interesting. As I understand, this book is a prequel that needs to be read before the first volume. The combination of Jack/John was quite fascinating to me.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
March 22, 2023
I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy through LibraryThing. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
There are many fictional and speculative stories about Jack the Ripper, but this is the strangest one I have read. It definitely is in a category all its own when it comes to the serial killer. The author is very creative!
I was a little confused at the beginning of the story until chapter 3 when everything was explained. From there, it was a story of Jack the Ripper, witches, demons, and John, a tormented man who seems to be at the center of it all. It is good vs. evil in a strange way. That’s all I can say…no spoilers.
I have listened to several full cast audiobooks, and most of them didn’t work for me. I remember the first one I listened to, which was amazing, and I’ve been hoping to come across more like it. Finally, I have found one! The sounds (although graphic at times) and the different voices are great. It’s not for the squeamish though. Jack’s voice can be a little annoying at times, but it adds to the tale.
If you’re looking for something different and enjoy graphic horror, this is a good listen!
There are many fictional and speculative stories about Jack the Ripper, but this is the strangest one I have read. It definitely is in a category all its own when it comes to the serial killer. The author is very creative!
I was a little confused at the beginning of the story until chapter 3 when everything was explained. From there, it was a story of Jack the Ripper, witches, demons, and John, a tormented man who seems to be at the center of it all. It is good vs. evil in a strange way. That’s all I can say…no spoilers.
I have listened to several full cast audiobooks, and most of them didn’t work for me. I remember the first one I listened to, which was amazing, and I’ve been hoping to come across more like it. Finally, I have found one! The sounds (although graphic at times) and the different voices are great. It’s not for the squeamish though. Jack’s voice can be a little annoying at times, but it adds to the tale.
If you’re looking for something different and enjoy graphic horror, this is a good listen!
March 11, 2023
I cannot stress this enough; this book should be listened to in audio form! It was bloody brilliant. Almost like listening to a movie. I am not exaggerating when I say that the last 15 minutes (or so) of the book is naming the cast characters and sound/production/background recording staff. Every character was voiced by their own person. If they were in a bar, you could hear the piano playing, small crowd murmuring in the background. If they were in a carriage, you could hear the horse's hooves. And the music in the background gave it an eerie feeling. I cannot put this into words. By far the best audio version book I've ever heard.
The story. Jack the Ripper. Everyone knows it's a topic that's been done and done until it's overdone. This story gave it a new life, a new aspect to Jack the Ripper. Don't want to say too much without giving it away.
The story. Jack the Ripper. Everyone knows it's a topic that's been done and done until it's overdone. This story gave it a new life, a new aspect to Jack the Ripper. Don't want to say too much without giving it away.
April 9, 2023
The Ripper: The First Next
Life Prequel By James G. Robertson Is A Ripper Tale Like No Other…It’s Dark…Very Dark…& Scary…Very Scary…And It Incorporates New Elements Not Utilized In Other Ripper Versions…Soo IF You Have Tired Of The Other Stories Of Jack….& Want A Breathe Of Fresh Air ( Unlikely To Be Found In London’s Dank & Foul Whitechapel’s Streets) Then THIS Is The Version Of Jack’s Gruesome Exploits For YOU! Do Be Brave & Venture Forth …Nevermind The Footfalls Behind You…The Whispers In The Dark Are Not Enough To Stop YOU….The Insatiable Need To Hear The Full Account Is Upon YOU…Nothing Can Prevent YOU Now….Not Even ….A Glint ….Of Steel. 🎧Narrated By : Nick Russ
Listen & See….Much Enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I Voluntarily Reviewed An Advanced Copy Of This Audio Book.
Life Prequel By James G. Robertson Is A Ripper Tale Like No Other…It’s Dark…Very Dark…& Scary…Very Scary…And It Incorporates New Elements Not Utilized In Other Ripper Versions…Soo IF You Have Tired Of The Other Stories Of Jack….& Want A Breathe Of Fresh Air ( Unlikely To Be Found In London’s Dank & Foul Whitechapel’s Streets) Then THIS Is The Version Of Jack’s Gruesome Exploits For YOU! Do Be Brave & Venture Forth …Nevermind The Footfalls Behind You…The Whispers In The Dark Are Not Enough To Stop YOU….The Insatiable Need To Hear The Full Account Is Upon YOU…Nothing Can Prevent YOU Now….Not Even ….A Glint ….Of Steel. 🎧Narrated By : Nick Russ
Listen & See….Much Enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I Voluntarily Reviewed An Advanced Copy Of This Audio Book.
May 7, 2025
I read this book in an e-book and I found it to be a fantastic read. I love vampire stories, especially ones that take place in a school because the book can always turn into a series. I had a terrific storyline, magnificent characters and wonderful world building I would consider a definite read and listen to and any platform e-book, physical audio, or Audible on any app I definitely would recommend it. The narrator did a terrific job. The story went along smoothly and I just sat there and let myself be drawn into the story by the narrator‘s voice and just listened and didn’t have to worry about straining my eyes.
February 8, 2022
Mr. Robertson tries to take the always mythos surrounding Jack The Ripper and adds a supernatural element. Unfortunately, it does not work very well for me and is disjointed in nature. On a positive note, the description of Whitechapel London in 1888 is vivid and well done. Perhaps he should have concentrated on that rather than the supernatural addition tothis already interesting subject.
April 6, 2023
This story has an interesting twist about Jack the Ripper. Definitely new to me. Overall, the narration is good. The story itself is a bit hard to follow. While listening to this story, I felt like I didn’t know what was going on. The title states that this story is a first prequel. If this is the case then there should be more information about what the different groups are all about. This would help the reader to know what is happening and then they could follow the story better.
April 24, 2023
I listened to the audio version of this book. It had a very slow beginning but became interesting after the second chapter. The narrators were wonderful, many different voices many of them quite scary at times. Due to the narration, I would highly recommend listening to the book in audio format- it will not disappoint.
A very dark and disturbing portrayal of Jack the Ripper.
A very dark and disturbing portrayal of Jack the Ripper.
April 28, 2023
this was a really interesting concept overall, it worked with what I was hoping for. James G. Robertson has a great writing style and I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this world. It left me wanting to read more in this universe and from James G. Robertson.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2025
This is my first experience with full cast narration. So nice to have each character with its own voice. Lots of music and sound tracks to enhance the story. I'm rating it with 4 stars. There was a few times where the background noise was so loud I couldn't understand the dialogue.
Grab this book for a strange take on Jack the Ripper. Witches. Demons. Murder. Gore.
Grab this book for a strange take on Jack the Ripper. Witches. Demons. Murder. Gore.
January 18, 2022
Very slow start, though its a very interesting twist on Jack the Ripper stories and retellings. Its a great book if you have the patience to get to the more exiting parts as well as if you want a new version of the infamous Jack the Ripper.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews