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The Ancient Evil Versus The Good Boy
When Jon Riley begins volunteering at the Richter Street Animal Shelter, he hopes it will help bring some purpose to his life. After all, who doesn't like hanging out with a few dogs after a tough day at work?
Jon quickly finds himself befriending, and eventually adopting, a mysterious dog named Desmond. But that's when the problems start, and soon Jon and Desmond find themselves fighting for their lives against The Ancient Evil and its Shadow People.
Filled with possessions, flour-drenched battles, ancient cliff tombs, and a shadowy underworld, The Ancient Evil Versus the Good Boy follows Jon and Desmond through a gripping adventure and proves the lengths people will go to for their beloved pets. Especially when they're under attack from something sinister...
Jon quickly finds himself befriending, and eventually adopting, a mysterious dog named Desmond. But that's when the problems start, and soon Jon and Desmond find themselves fighting for their lives against The Ancient Evil and its Shadow People.
Filled with possessions, flour-drenched battles, ancient cliff tombs, and a shadowy underworld, The Ancient Evil Versus the Good Boy follows Jon and Desmond through a gripping adventure and proves the lengths people will go to for their beloved pets. Especially when they're under attack from something sinister...
- GenresHorror
244 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2022
About the author
Zachary Finn
14 books22 followersZachary Finn is a lover of all things history and horror. He currently resides in central NY with his dog, Princess Piper, his wife, Natalie, and the memory of his first four-legged companion, Bruce. When he's not working as a research historian or writing, you can typically find him somewhere lost in the woods, wandering through an old cemetery, or trying to improve his jab.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 18, 2021
*** Disclaimer : I received e-copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. ***
The Ancient Evil Versus The Good Boy was interesting debut paranormal and mild horror that revolved around Jon and his dog-Desmond’s fight against the ancient evil that found a way to attach with Jon’s house along with Desmond. The story was about legends and myth, self-preservation, loyalty, bond between human and animal, courage, and confidence.
Bond between Jon and Des was best part of the book. I loved how they both understood each other and formed connection strong enough to do anything to protect each other. Whenever I read their time together in book, I felt myself smiling. It gave the book lighter touch.
I enjoyed reading myth and legend of ancient evil that came from Himalayan region and Nepal. I have heard many things about Nepal and Tibet from relatives who visited those places for pilgrimage or as tourist but it was first time I heard about sky burial and cliff burial. It was unbelievable, definitely not palatable but fascinating burial ritual. In book it was explained through story why people there believed in it and why they did it. I agreed with character, it was fascinating how both life and death, beauty and unpleasant sight of skeletons and ritual could coexist. I loved how author written a character who respected this totally different culture and their burial ritual.
It was thought-provoking and sad how people treat dogs and in what state they arrive in shelter. I loved the way author showed how they are better than us humans in so many ways, they forget after some time and some training about past ill-treatments and move on in life, even trust humans and protect them with their life without second thought.
Overall, The Ancient Evil Versus The Good Boy was well written, impressive, and fast paced paranormal novel with interesting burial ritual in different culture, its history and touching bond between human and animal. If you’re dog lover, like paranormal books, myths and legends, and you don’t want horror books scary but a little gory details, I recommend this book.
Read full review on my blog - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
The Ancient Evil Versus The Good Boy was interesting debut paranormal and mild horror that revolved around Jon and his dog-Desmond’s fight against the ancient evil that found a way to attach with Jon’s house along with Desmond. The story was about legends and myth, self-preservation, loyalty, bond between human and animal, courage, and confidence.
Bond between Jon and Des was best part of the book. I loved how they both understood each other and formed connection strong enough to do anything to protect each other. Whenever I read their time together in book, I felt myself smiling. It gave the book lighter touch.
I enjoyed reading myth and legend of ancient evil that came from Himalayan region and Nepal. I have heard many things about Nepal and Tibet from relatives who visited those places for pilgrimage or as tourist but it was first time I heard about sky burial and cliff burial. It was unbelievable, definitely not palatable but fascinating burial ritual. In book it was explained through story why people there believed in it and why they did it. I agreed with character, it was fascinating how both life and death, beauty and unpleasant sight of skeletons and ritual could coexist. I loved how author written a character who respected this totally different culture and their burial ritual.
It was thought-provoking and sad how people treat dogs and in what state they arrive in shelter. I loved the way author showed how they are better than us humans in so many ways, they forget after some time and some training about past ill-treatments and move on in life, even trust humans and protect them with their life without second thought.
Overall, The Ancient Evil Versus The Good Boy was well written, impressive, and fast paced paranormal novel with interesting burial ritual in different culture, its history and touching bond between human and animal. If you’re dog lover, like paranormal books, myths and legends, and you don’t want horror books scary but a little gory details, I recommend this book.
Read full review on my blog - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
May 4, 2023
I loved this book! I heard about it from a friend, and knew I had to check it out because… dogs and horror? Yes please. I ended up going back to read it again because it was one of those books that sticks in the back of your head and you find yourself thinking about periodically. It was a fun read the second time too. Then I heard about Zachary Finn’s new book, The Lady In White: A Tale Set in Rochester, New York. I know what I’m reading next!
March 4, 2025
Part 1 was a 5 star. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. The more I read, the more I had difficulty putting the book down. So much creativity!
Part 2 unfortunately did not transition well from Part 1. There seemed to be a hurry to wrap up the story and while I appreciate the fantasia, I couldn’t get past how the main character went months without even a dog bone. I will say that the location got the better of my curiosity and I became enraptured with watching some National Geographic so good job in getting me to expand my knowledge base.
Overall, this book was entertaining. I hope that the author will continue to explore and not rush a good thing. He definitely has talent that can capture us readers!
Part 2 unfortunately did not transition well from Part 1. There seemed to be a hurry to wrap up the story and while I appreciate the fantasia, I couldn’t get past how the main character went months without even a dog bone. I will say that the location got the better of my curiosity and I became enraptured with watching some National Geographic so good job in getting me to expand my knowledge base.
Overall, this book was entertaining. I hope that the author will continue to explore and not rush a good thing. He definitely has talent that can capture us readers!
March 31, 2023
This was so different from your average supernatural thriller!
Anyone who is lucky enough to have a rescue dog in their life will relate to Jon and Desmond's love for each other. When Jon begins to realize Desmond may come with baggage a little more intense than bad leash habits, he immediately commits himself to helping Des through it all!
I was not at all expecting a deep dive into obscure mythologies and vampire/spirit origins and I found it fascinating. I really enjoyed how it all wrapped up in the end as well.
Anyone who is lucky enough to have a rescue dog in their life will relate to Jon and Desmond's love for each other. When Jon begins to realize Desmond may come with baggage a little more intense than bad leash habits, he immediately commits himself to helping Des through it all!
I was not at all expecting a deep dive into obscure mythologies and vampire/spirit origins and I found it fascinating. I really enjoyed how it all wrapped up in the end as well.
August 21, 2021
This has been the most fun book I've read in years- the connection between Jon and his dog is heartfelt and makes me want to defend their friendship from any monsters. The intriguing plot and clues throughout the story has me daydreaming about what will happen next the whole way through. I feel like these two deserve some Hollywood movie screen time but until then I fully recommend this book for anyone that loves adventure!
July 29, 2021
Great read! I’ll be honest: I scare very easily. Though this book did give me the creeps at points, I was able to keep reading and I’m so glad I did! It kept me on the edge of my seat and I loved the characters. I was truly emotionally attached by the end. Great work from a new author! Looking forward to the next book!
December 13, 2021
A fast-paced narrative and the endearing bond set out between a human and dog makes this a captivating read. This has the feel of a horror /adventure story, packed with historical titbits and folklore. All the way through, I was rooting for the characters, and that's the way a book should make me feel.
An impressive debut from a writer to watch.
An impressive debut from a writer to watch.
February 11, 2024
I rarely take issue with the title of a book, but I went into “The Ancient Evil versus The God Boy” expecting a comedy horror. Maybe that’s why I never got invested in the story and was kind of bored throughout. I find myself skimming the second half just to finish it up. Not a fan of this one unfortunately.
March 13, 2026
From the start of reading this book I truly could not put it down. You join the adventure with Jon and Desmond and get to witness their immediate bond. This book has moments of pure joy, curiosity, thrill, fear and heartbreak, all while being packed with history and even some life lessons to take away. I can’t wait for my next re read
June 20, 2021
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read it to my dad during the last week of his life, and it was something I got to watch him enjoy. There were a few parts he needed me to go back and re-read so he could understand it, and several parts that made him smile, but to tell you the honest truth, I don't really remember what the story was about.
I have every intention of re-reading it at a later date, because I know it was something my dad enjoyed.
I read it to my dad during the last week of his life, and it was something I got to watch him enjoy. There were a few parts he needed me to go back and re-read so he could understand it, and several parts that made him smile, but to tell you the honest truth, I don't really remember what the story was about.
I have every intention of re-reading it at a later date, because I know it was something my dad enjoyed.
November 13, 2021
Completely entertaining. Had to look at the author's twitter page to find an image of the amazing Desmond- what a good boy.
November 1, 2026
Beautiful and tugs on your heartstrings for the bond between Jon and Des. The descriptions are beautiful, and living near Buffalo, the environment is so accurate. Well worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews