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Jesse James Dawson #1
A Devil in the Details
When it comes to demons, always read the find print.
Jesse James Dawson was an ordinary guy (well, an ordinary guy with a black belt in karate) until one day he learned his brother had made a bargain with a demon, Jesse discovered there was only one way to save his brother: put up his own soul as collateral, and fight the demon to the death.
Jesse lived to free his brother-and became part of a loose organization of Champions who put their own souls on the line to help those who get in over their heads with demons. But now experienced Champions are losing battles at a much higher rate than usual. Someone has changed the game. And if Jesse can't figure out the new rules, his next battle may be his last...
Jesse James Dawson was an ordinary guy (well, an ordinary guy with a black belt in karate) until one day he learned his brother had made a bargain with a demon, Jesse discovered there was only one way to save his brother: put up his own soul as collateral, and fight the demon to the death.
Jesse lived to free his brother-and became part of a loose organization of Champions who put their own souls on the line to help those who get in over their heads with demons. But now experienced Champions are losing battles at a much higher rate than usual. Someone has changed the game. And if Jesse can't figure out the new rules, his next battle may be his last...
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2010
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2632 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
June 18, 2012
Overall, a decent UF read, but not one that hits that reading nerve center with a zing of happiness. This is a light, fluffy read, about as far from sinister as it gets. There's a house, a wife, a child; a day job at a goth shop, and a desperate need to come up with mom's birthday present before Saturday.
Here's the problem with me and urban fantasy demons:
Evil.
I believe in it.
Most fantasy books can't do it justice. I'm from Wisconsin and we have had serial killers and senators who have demonstrated greater evil than any demon in most books, including this one. This is one of those times where I just can't get into a story because I'm stuck on the underlying mechanics. It's not really Stewart's fault; I had the same problem with the demon-hunting soccer mom series.
In "A Devil," there's a neighborhood demon that hangs around the protagonist, apparently hoping to offer him a soul-snatching deal at a weak moment. He animates small animals and leaves them dead when he's departs. He plays a mean game of chess. When he's particularly vicious, he Sure, his eyes flash red. But wait! Thankfully, there are other, really scary demons, one that resembles a scorpion, and one that appears like a hellhound. Sure, they try and kill the hero. They also screw with people's contracts. But that's what demons do, and there isn't much that is ominous about that set-up. Add to the fact that the hero categorizes demons as "Snot," "Scuttle" "Shirt" and "Skin," and it makes for lackluster tension-building. (I'm hearing Paul Reubens and Kristy Swanson in the background in the original Buffy). Demons should be more noir, or else stay away from them. There's so much real evil around; this almost makes light of it. Maybe that's the point? To be taken on a tiny parking lot roller coaster, given a couple up and down bumps and then brought back to baseline and go on my merry way?
I know werewolves, vampires and mermaids aren't real, which is why it is interesting to see how people integrate them into the urban setting. They are the modern folklore that speaks to the magic and the mysterious in our lives. I don't even mind demons if they are truly hellish, because it gives us a chance to confront evil. But this failed to tickle my funny or scary bone (located somewhere about C5).
October 3, 2012
Let's check them off, shall we?
No brooding mysterious supernatural drop-dead gorgeous Alpha Males.
No lead character suddenly becoming more and more powerful and gaining every goddamned supernatural superpower under the sun.
No lead character having every single person of the opposite sex (or same,whatever)they meet, falling madly and passionately in love/lust with them.
No love triangle between lead, and a brooding mysterious supernatural drop-dead gorgeous yet perhaps slightly evil Alpha Male, and a powerful strong lighter yet still so drop-dead gorgeous other Alpha Male. With the two Alpha Males being on opposite ends of the supernatural creature scale.
No graphic sex scenes.
No falling in love/lust the second they meet each other,then running circles around each other while the lead tries to deny the obvious lust and instant horniness they experience every time they meet.
No saving the world and being the only person in the ENTIRE world able to do it.
No vampires. Or werewolves. Sparkly or otherwise.
See why I gave it 5 stars?
Yep.
I'm very very close to completely giving up on ANY Urban Fantasy series that has a female lead character. I'm gravitating more and more towards the ones with male leads, regardless of whether the author is male or female. There's Mark del Franco's "Connor Grey" series. Anton Strout's "Simon Canderous" series. Kevin Hearne's "Hounded" series (oh the LOVE I have for Atticus and Oberon!). And now, to add to my list of series to continue reading and to continue loving is K A Stewart's Jesse James Dawson series.
I am so very very very tired of female protagonists in Urban Fantasy, who are ALL involved in bloody love triangles (usually between a vampire and werewolf, or mage and demon), who ALL have deep dark tortured souls and lives, who ALL fall madly in love or lust with the Alpha Male the second they meet (I love and adore my husband, but I can tell you honestly, that I did NOT get short of breath, or nearly faint from the emotions, or was mesmerized by his eyes, or grow instantly wet with horniness and decided I must have him right NOW, when I first met him. It took time for all those things to happen *laughs* ), who ALL have intense physical battles and yet seem to shake off the injuries very easily, and who ALL gain in power until they are The Most Powerful and Greatest Kick Ass Heroine in All the Worlds.
So damn tired.
So along comes Jesse James Dawson. He's one of a group of Champions. Those who have sold their souls to demons to gain whatever it is they want in life, come to the Champions, who then battle said demons to have the soul returned. Putting up their own soul in return.
If you're at all intersted in this series, no doubt you've read other reviews that detail the plot of the story. So I'm not going to rehash here. I want to talk about Jesse.
He's married. He has a kid. He ends up in hospital quite regularly due to injuries sustained in the battles. He's not rich, so he works part-time in a dead-end retail job to help pay the bills - which are mainly from his hospital stays and doctor bills. He worries about money and being able to pay those bills. He worries about being able to pay the college bills when his daughter grows up. He worries about his wife, who is a witch, and the effect her magic causes on her health and well-being.
He's also snarky as all get-out, which is a major plus in my book. I LOVE the snarkiness. Humour to me, is a MUST in urban fantasy. We've gotta have those pithy one-liners. Jesse has no magic - he relies on the protective wards his wife does, and his sword and strength. He's not stronger than the average man, he has no superpowers. He's just a normal damn bloke fighting for something he believes in, and to help those who need it. He doesn't drive a fancy bitchin' motorcycle, he doesn't suddenly become more powerful or stronger than anyone else, he doesn't save the world.
He saves people's souls, one at a time.
No brooding mysterious supernatural drop-dead gorgeous Alpha Males.
No lead character suddenly becoming more and more powerful and gaining every goddamned supernatural superpower under the sun.
No lead character having every single person of the opposite sex (or same,whatever)they meet, falling madly and passionately in love/lust with them.
No love triangle between lead, and a brooding mysterious supernatural drop-dead gorgeous yet perhaps slightly evil Alpha Male, and a powerful strong lighter yet still so drop-dead gorgeous other Alpha Male. With the two Alpha Males being on opposite ends of the supernatural creature scale.
No graphic sex scenes.
No falling in love/lust the second they meet each other,then running circles around each other while the lead tries to deny the obvious lust and instant horniness they experience every time they meet.
No saving the world and being the only person in the ENTIRE world able to do it.
No vampires. Or werewolves. Sparkly or otherwise.
See why I gave it 5 stars?
Yep.
I'm very very close to completely giving up on ANY Urban Fantasy series that has a female lead character. I'm gravitating more and more towards the ones with male leads, regardless of whether the author is male or female. There's Mark del Franco's "Connor Grey" series. Anton Strout's "Simon Canderous" series. Kevin Hearne's "Hounded" series (oh the LOVE I have for Atticus and Oberon!). And now, to add to my list of series to continue reading and to continue loving is K A Stewart's Jesse James Dawson series.
I am so very very very tired of female protagonists in Urban Fantasy, who are ALL involved in bloody love triangles (usually between a vampire and werewolf, or mage and demon), who ALL have deep dark tortured souls and lives, who ALL fall madly in love or lust with the Alpha Male the second they meet (I love and adore my husband, but I can tell you honestly, that I did NOT get short of breath, or nearly faint from the emotions, or was mesmerized by his eyes, or grow instantly wet with horniness and decided I must have him right NOW, when I first met him. It took time for all those things to happen *laughs* ), who ALL have intense physical battles and yet seem to shake off the injuries very easily, and who ALL gain in power until they are The Most Powerful and Greatest Kick Ass Heroine in All the Worlds.
So damn tired.
So along comes Jesse James Dawson. He's one of a group of Champions. Those who have sold their souls to demons to gain whatever it is they want in life, come to the Champions, who then battle said demons to have the soul returned. Putting up their own soul in return.
If you're at all intersted in this series, no doubt you've read other reviews that detail the plot of the story. So I'm not going to rehash here. I want to talk about Jesse.
He's married. He has a kid. He ends up in hospital quite regularly due to injuries sustained in the battles. He's not rich, so he works part-time in a dead-end retail job to help pay the bills - which are mainly from his hospital stays and doctor bills. He worries about money and being able to pay those bills. He worries about being able to pay the college bills when his daughter grows up. He worries about his wife, who is a witch, and the effect her magic causes on her health and well-being.
He's also snarky as all get-out, which is a major plus in my book. I LOVE the snarkiness. Humour to me, is a MUST in urban fantasy. We've gotta have those pithy one-liners. Jesse has no magic - he relies on the protective wards his wife does, and his sword and strength. He's not stronger than the average man, he has no superpowers. He's just a normal damn bloke fighting for something he believes in, and to help those who need it. He doesn't drive a fancy bitchin' motorcycle, he doesn't suddenly become more powerful or stronger than anyone else, he doesn't save the world.
He saves people's souls, one at a time.
March 25, 2012
This was a good start to a new to me series. Although it does have that standard male UF feel (which is not a bad thing), there were a few things that nicely distinguish it from the others that I read and enjoy:
1. The lead--Jesse James Dawson (don't call him JJ) is pleasantly angst-free. I like angst as much as any other reader, and probably more, but it's nice when the character doesn't stoop over like a 90-year-old from the weight of sorrows on his back. I think a huge factor in this is my second point.
2. Jesse is a happily-married family man! It was so refreshing to have a hero who is not a loner who avoids women or just uses them to fulfill his male needs, or both, but is deeply in love with his wife. The moments of intimacy and married people exchanges caused many 'aww' moments or smiles as I read. It's clear that Jesse doesn't take his wife for granted. He respects her as an equal with formidable strengths that balance him out. He knows his wife doesn't take crap, and he doesn't shovel any her way. At the same time, he is protective of his family in a way that I think a guy should be with his family. I loved how much he values his wife and his little girl. I have a big soft spot for a hero who is a father or has a fatherly vibe to him, so I dug the scenes in which Jesse plays with/takes care of his daughter. I can see why Jesse has the empowerment to go out and fight the good fight like he does.
3. Jesse is a modern samurai. He follows the bushido code. Let me make it clear that I am a huge ninja/samurai/Asian martial arts fangirl. Although I lack the discipline for the Way of the Warrior, I had mad respect for Jesse's adherence to this philosophy. Although he is not a religious man, he has a code which directs his behavior, instead of drifting through life aimlessly. It rounds him out as a character in a solid, but not over the top way instead of this story being about his A)determination to get vengeance, B)leftover childhood issues, C)being a happy-go-lucky ne'er do well that merely stumbles into heroic situations.
4. The concept of Jesse working as a champion--fighting demons to win back people's bartered souls was very cool. I like that there was rules to be followed, and I admit that the demonic aspects were a bit chilling, although not in a macabre, in your face, way. It felt very real-world and entirely possible. A nice foundation for world-building in this series.
5. The conversational narrative was good. Jesse has enough snark to put me in the wise-cracking UF male mode that I like, but it's not forced or obvious. It was interesting seeing Jesse interact with his co-workers at It, a trendy store that I would equate to the real-life store Hot Topic. They are very much of the new generation, and Jesse is in his thirties and a grown man with grownup responsibilities. They call him Old Guy, which I found hilarious. It may not seem like a huge age difference, but as a woman in my thirties who has worked with people in their teens and early twenties, it can actually be a fairly large gap at times. Long story short, Jesse gets cred as a realistic character who I can buy into for a series. I liked spending time in his head and I would come back.
Final Thoughts:
This was a pleasant, relatively quick read. I think it's a great start for a new series, and there was enough hooks here to get me coming back for more. I liked the story, the characters, and the concept. The action parts were good and the humor had me laughing and nodding along. That makes this a thumbs up book for me. Four solid stars, and my recommendation to fans of male lead UF along the lines of Harry Dresden or Atticus O'Sullivan. In other words, both fun and meaty.
1. The lead--Jesse James Dawson (don't call him JJ) is pleasantly angst-free. I like angst as much as any other reader, and probably more, but it's nice when the character doesn't stoop over like a 90-year-old from the weight of sorrows on his back. I think a huge factor in this is my second point.
2. Jesse is a happily-married family man! It was so refreshing to have a hero who is not a loner who avoids women or just uses them to fulfill his male needs, or both, but is deeply in love with his wife. The moments of intimacy and married people exchanges caused many 'aww' moments or smiles as I read. It's clear that Jesse doesn't take his wife for granted. He respects her as an equal with formidable strengths that balance him out. He knows his wife doesn't take crap, and he doesn't shovel any her way. At the same time, he is protective of his family in a way that I think a guy should be with his family. I loved how much he values his wife and his little girl. I have a big soft spot for a hero who is a father or has a fatherly vibe to him, so I dug the scenes in which Jesse plays with/takes care of his daughter. I can see why Jesse has the empowerment to go out and fight the good fight like he does.
3. Jesse is a modern samurai. He follows the bushido code. Let me make it clear that I am a huge ninja/samurai/Asian martial arts fangirl. Although I lack the discipline for the Way of the Warrior, I had mad respect for Jesse's adherence to this philosophy. Although he is not a religious man, he has a code which directs his behavior, instead of drifting through life aimlessly. It rounds him out as a character in a solid, but not over the top way instead of this story being about his A)determination to get vengeance, B)leftover childhood issues, C)being a happy-go-lucky ne'er do well that merely stumbles into heroic situations.
4. The concept of Jesse working as a champion--fighting demons to win back people's bartered souls was very cool. I like that there was rules to be followed, and I admit that the demonic aspects were a bit chilling, although not in a macabre, in your face, way. It felt very real-world and entirely possible. A nice foundation for world-building in this series.
5. The conversational narrative was good. Jesse has enough snark to put me in the wise-cracking UF male mode that I like, but it's not forced or obvious. It was interesting seeing Jesse interact with his co-workers at It, a trendy store that I would equate to the real-life store Hot Topic. They are very much of the new generation, and Jesse is in his thirties and a grown man with grownup responsibilities. They call him Old Guy, which I found hilarious. It may not seem like a huge age difference, but as a woman in my thirties who has worked with people in their teens and early twenties, it can actually be a fairly large gap at times. Long story short, Jesse gets cred as a realistic character who I can buy into for a series. I liked spending time in his head and I would come back.
Final Thoughts:
This was a pleasant, relatively quick read. I think it's a great start for a new series, and there was enough hooks here to get me coming back for more. I liked the story, the characters, and the concept. The action parts were good and the humor had me laughing and nodding along. That makes this a thumbs up book for me. Four solid stars, and my recommendation to fans of male lead UF along the lines of Harry Dresden or Atticus O'Sullivan. In other words, both fun and meaty.
June 20, 2018
2.5 stars
September 7, 2011
http://www.rantingdragon.com/a-devil-...
The first installment in a new urban fantasy series from Roc Books, A Devil in the Details is K. A. Stewart’s debut novel. Jesse James Dawson is just your average American samurai with a wife and child. Well, okay, maybe being a samurai isn’t exactly average, but neither is putting your soul on the line to save those who get in trouble with demons. And that’s what Jesse does as a member of a loose organization of champions—an organization whose most experienced members are getting killed off at a higher rate than usual. Someone changed the rules, and Jesse has to figure them out if he doesn’t want his next battle to be his last…
Original, yet a tad familiar
The premise of A Devil in the Details is quite original and intriguing. Stewart put a lot of thought into the magic systems and demonic order, and it shows. The various types of demons are glossed over, shown but not fully explained, leaving much to the reader’s imagination while setting firm groundwork for future expansion. The order of champions of which Jesse is member is similarly developed, leaving the reader with questions.
However, the worldbuilding feels a tad familiar. It is original, yes, but it’s not a setup which leaps out and just strikes you with its originality. This is neither a good thing nor a bad thing; it just is. As urban fantasies go, this is one of the more subtle in terms of the circumstances, where it is extremely easy for the rest of the world to ignore the supernatural. It’s a different flavor of urban fantasy, and one I’ll continue to read with great interest.
A well-developed cast
The true beauty of the novel lies in the character work. For the first novel in a series (and a debut novel, no less!), there is an obscene amount of character development. From Jesse’s observations, keen details are acknowledged about those he interacts with. Of special import are Jesse’s wife and daughter, Mira and Annabelle. Much of Jesse’s time is spent with his family—something of a rarity for an urban fantasy protagonist—and it has all of the ups and downs of a real family. Jesse’s “boss” in the organization of champions, Ivan, provides much of the comedic relief in conjunction with Jesse’s wit.
Demonic goodness
My favorite part of the novel, however, lies not in the world or the characters, but rather in the demonic entities. Specifically Jesse’s personal demon, Axel. Initially coming across as a more garden-variety demon, Axel takes some serious turns in personality throughout the plot—which drives Jesse up the wall. However, while being a demon, Axel isn’t completely of the “I want your soul” mindset. He attempts to both aid and annoy Jesse, and succeeds with flying colors on the latter. It’s a beautiful piece of humanity within the demonic system, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
Why should you read this book?
A Devil in the Details isn’t the most flamboyant book out there. Nor is it the most droll. It finds a happy medium and stays there fairly well. Exceptionally well, for a debut novel. The premise is original but not overwhelming, and the character work is absolutely wonderful. All in all, a very good start to Stewart’s writing career.
The first installment in a new urban fantasy series from Roc Books, A Devil in the Details is K. A. Stewart’s debut novel. Jesse James Dawson is just your average American samurai with a wife and child. Well, okay, maybe being a samurai isn’t exactly average, but neither is putting your soul on the line to save those who get in trouble with demons. And that’s what Jesse does as a member of a loose organization of champions—an organization whose most experienced members are getting killed off at a higher rate than usual. Someone changed the rules, and Jesse has to figure them out if he doesn’t want his next battle to be his last…
Original, yet a tad familiar
The premise of A Devil in the Details is quite original and intriguing. Stewart put a lot of thought into the magic systems and demonic order, and it shows. The various types of demons are glossed over, shown but not fully explained, leaving much to the reader’s imagination while setting firm groundwork for future expansion. The order of champions of which Jesse is member is similarly developed, leaving the reader with questions.
However, the worldbuilding feels a tad familiar. It is original, yes, but it’s not a setup which leaps out and just strikes you with its originality. This is neither a good thing nor a bad thing; it just is. As urban fantasies go, this is one of the more subtle in terms of the circumstances, where it is extremely easy for the rest of the world to ignore the supernatural. It’s a different flavor of urban fantasy, and one I’ll continue to read with great interest.
A well-developed cast
The true beauty of the novel lies in the character work. For the first novel in a series (and a debut novel, no less!), there is an obscene amount of character development. From Jesse’s observations, keen details are acknowledged about those he interacts with. Of special import are Jesse’s wife and daughter, Mira and Annabelle. Much of Jesse’s time is spent with his family—something of a rarity for an urban fantasy protagonist—and it has all of the ups and downs of a real family. Jesse’s “boss” in the organization of champions, Ivan, provides much of the comedic relief in conjunction with Jesse’s wit.
Demonic goodness
My favorite part of the novel, however, lies not in the world or the characters, but rather in the demonic entities. Specifically Jesse’s personal demon, Axel. Initially coming across as a more garden-variety demon, Axel takes some serious turns in personality throughout the plot—which drives Jesse up the wall. However, while being a demon, Axel isn’t completely of the “I want your soul” mindset. He attempts to both aid and annoy Jesse, and succeeds with flying colors on the latter. It’s a beautiful piece of humanity within the demonic system, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
Why should you read this book?
A Devil in the Details isn’t the most flamboyant book out there. Nor is it the most droll. It finds a happy medium and stays there fairly well. Exceptionally well, for a debut novel. The premise is original but not overwhelming, and the character work is absolutely wonderful. All in all, a very good start to Stewart’s writing career.
August 5, 2014
Well....to quote Gomer Pyle, "surprise, surprise, surprise". I stumbled on a pretty good urban fantasy. K.A.Stewart is a female writer of whom I was unaware until I saw this book. I'm pretty much always looking for a good urban fantasy but more often than not what I find is either "just not so good" or turns out to be "PNR", that is ParaNormal Romance.
While this book definitely has a romantic edge it's simply part of the story.
So, what do we have here? This is the beginning of a series "concerning" Jesse James Dawson. (his brother is Cole Younger Dawson. Seems dad had a thing about outlaws...). Jesse is one of a "loosely organized" group of people simply called "The Champions". See in the book's mythology or world people do occasionally (in very bad circumstances) make the very...poor decision to, trade away their soul.
I know, wow. But many of them repent...and this means "really repent" not just decide they'd rather not go to hell. Maybe they were desperate to save a loved one's life or had some other not so selfish motive and then realize what they'd done. That's where the Champions come in. See they have the penitent call the demon with whom they made the deal. Then they "put their own sole on the line and fight the demon for both souls".
Heck of a way to make a living, huh? Puts me in mind of that line from The Outlaw Josey Wales, "dying ain't much of a living boy".
Of course that's just the back ground of the story things do not run as planned here and that gives us fodder for the novel. You get a background of the world's rules here and at least an introduction to The Champions and their lives. I'm actually being careful not to tell you too much here as I think "mostly" you'll enjoy the way it's all laid out.
Now to the heads up I usually give on books like this...some won't care at all others will be glad to know. In battling Demons the subject of God obviously comes up. In this "fictional universe" faith seems to be what works. The protagonist is pretty much an agnostic and his wife is a Wiccan (and of course has some "witchy" powers). He seems to believe there is a God but isn't "religious". That seems to be a common motif for many writers now. The book isn't hostile to Christians (though the characters are a little insulting to a group of Catholic Knights who are among the Champions. They are painted as some what distant and "overly proud".) If you've read the Dresden books he might put you a little in mind Sanya the Knight of the Cross who "wonders". Jesse here at one point mentions to someone that "a cross only works if you believe."
None of this bothers me. I am (as I've mentioned often) a Christian but so far as I'm concerned this is just a story, and not a bad one as stories go. So, if it bothers you that's cool but I don't think it will bother most readers.
I started this yesterday as I had something going on that kept me in waiting rooms most of the day. I almost finished it and did finish it when I got home. After that I ordered the next, so I think I can recommend this one. Enjoy.
While this book definitely has a romantic edge it's simply part of the story.
So, what do we have here? This is the beginning of a series "concerning" Jesse James Dawson. (his brother is Cole Younger Dawson. Seems dad had a thing about outlaws...). Jesse is one of a "loosely organized" group of people simply called "The Champions". See in the book's mythology or world people do occasionally (in very bad circumstances) make the very...poor decision to, trade away their soul.
I know, wow. But many of them repent...and this means "really repent" not just decide they'd rather not go to hell. Maybe they were desperate to save a loved one's life or had some other not so selfish motive and then realize what they'd done. That's where the Champions come in. See they have the penitent call the demon with whom they made the deal. Then they "put their own sole on the line and fight the demon for both souls".
Heck of a way to make a living, huh? Puts me in mind of that line from The Outlaw Josey Wales, "dying ain't much of a living boy".
Of course that's just the back ground of the story things do not run as planned here and that gives us fodder for the novel. You get a background of the world's rules here and at least an introduction to The Champions and their lives. I'm actually being careful not to tell you too much here as I think "mostly" you'll enjoy the way it's all laid out.
Now to the heads up I usually give on books like this...some won't care at all others will be glad to know. In battling Demons the subject of God obviously comes up. In this "fictional universe" faith seems to be what works. The protagonist is pretty much an agnostic and his wife is a Wiccan (and of course has some "witchy" powers). He seems to believe there is a God but isn't "religious". That seems to be a common motif for many writers now. The book isn't hostile to Christians (though the characters are a little insulting to a group of Catholic Knights who are among the Champions. They are painted as some what distant and "overly proud".) If you've read the Dresden books he might put you a little in mind Sanya the Knight of the Cross who "wonders". Jesse here at one point mentions to someone that "a cross only works if you believe."
None of this bothers me. I am (as I've mentioned often) a Christian but so far as I'm concerned this is just a story, and not a bad one as stories go. So, if it bothers you that's cool but I don't think it will bother most readers.
I started this yesterday as I had something going on that kept me in waiting rooms most of the day. I almost finished it and did finish it when I got home. After that I ordered the next, so I think I can recommend this one. Enjoy.
May 29, 2011
Wry urban fantasy is not my normal fantasy subgenre, but I'm not ashamed to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed reading
A Devil in the Details
by K.A. Stewart. I can savor the supernatural (angels, demons, witches, clerics) but please pass on the paranormal (vampires, werewolves, zombies) and that's just what Jesse James Dawson did.
Check out my guest review at FantastyLiterature.com.
Check out my guest review at FantastyLiterature.com.
January 4, 2011
This is definitely a promising start to a new series and I did enjoy it, but it was too easy to put down. I'm not sure why it wasn't a page turner for me until the very end got very exciting. It just lacked something I can't put my finger on. When I finished the book, it felt like I had just read the first part of a much bigger novel.
I did like that our hero was an ordinary guy except for the whole demon slayer thing and that he had a fairly normal life. In fact, his domestic dealings do seem to take up a lot of this book. I liked the idea of him having a wife (and not chasing some hot thing) and a child, but neither one of those characters ever seemed quite real to me. I don't feel I know Mira at all. Axel, his demon foe/friend, felt more solid and intriguing. I liked the plot, but it didn't really zing until the end. I did love the entire battle with the "big bad," but the twist wasn't too surprising.
I'm definitely on board for book two because I liked the character of Jesse (even if he's a bit clueless at times) and the premise is really solid.
I did like that our hero was an ordinary guy except for the whole demon slayer thing and that he had a fairly normal life. In fact, his domestic dealings do seem to take up a lot of this book. I liked the idea of him having a wife (and not chasing some hot thing) and a child, but neither one of those characters ever seemed quite real to me. I don't feel I know Mira at all. Axel, his demon foe/friend, felt more solid and intriguing. I liked the plot, but it didn't really zing until the end. I did love the entire battle with the "big bad," but the twist wasn't too surprising.
I'm definitely on board for book two because I liked the character of Jesse (even if he's a bit clueless at times) and the premise is really solid.
July 6, 2011
Not as good as I hoped. For the first few chapters, A Devil in the Details was headed for a solid four stars. Fresh voice, hip semi-stream of consciousness patter, complex plot. But soon the cuteness got old. Too cute. The plot lived up to expectations however.
I'm not a fan of most popular YA novels. This is YA, isn't it? First the Harry Potter magicians, then the twilight vampires and werewolves (with a few zombies on the side), now demons. (Angels will assumedly follow.) Stewart handles the supernatural nature of the antagonists well, though I can't help but think real demons would be much worse. (Aliens--not demons--are all about rules.)
Satisfactory conclusion while still propelling the reader toward the next installment.
I'm not a fan of most popular YA novels. This is YA, isn't it? First the Harry Potter magicians, then the twilight vampires and werewolves (with a few zombies on the side), now demons. (Angels will assumedly follow.) Stewart handles the supernatural nature of the antagonists well, though I can't help but think real demons would be much worse. (Aliens--not demons--are all about rules.)
Satisfactory conclusion while still propelling the reader toward the next installment.
June 19, 2018
Ok - this one is really 4.5 stars. Not *quite* 5.
This one was a rare gem to me. It hit all the right buttons. It has a loving relationship - no triangles, no "will they or won't they" or "when the heck are they gonna get around to it"s. It exists. It is a given. It has relationships beyond "the" relationship. There is a young daughter. There are 2 bosses. There is a brother. Lots of room for love to abound here.
There is ONE sex scene. And, it is MY kind of sex scene. The closed door kind. :D
There is sarcasm. A TON of sarcasm.
There is a mystery. Which I totally did not solve.
There are battle scenes.
The world developed is all too real . . .
And, it all takes place in Kansas City! I recognized all the landmarks. This happens very rarely.
I will definitely push forward in this series.
This one was a rare gem to me. It hit all the right buttons. It has a loving relationship - no triangles, no "will they or won't they" or "when the heck are they gonna get around to it"s. It exists. It is a given. It has relationships beyond "the" relationship. There is a young daughter. There are 2 bosses. There is a brother. Lots of room for love to abound here.
There is ONE sex scene. And, it is MY kind of sex scene. The closed door kind. :D
There is sarcasm. A TON of sarcasm.
There is a mystery. Which I totally did not solve.
There are battle scenes.
The world developed is all too real . . .
And, it all takes place in Kansas City! I recognized all the landmarks. This happens very rarely.
I will definitely push forward in this series.
July 3, 2010
An ok start to the series. It reminded me of Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series, but not as good. There just seemed to be something missing so that reading it didn't seem so ho-hum, but I'm not sure what. I'll probably give it another chance when book 2 comes out, but I'll stick to getting it from the library, I don't think I liked it enough that I would want to buy it.
December 5, 2019
4 Stars
Well that was unexpectedly good. I’ll be honest, I didn’t have extremely high hopes for this book. I had never heard of it before and there aren’t a huge number of ratings, but the plot looked interesting and the Kindle sample pretty decent so I gave it a try, and I’m very glad I did.
Jesse James Dawson (what a name, huh?) is a champion, someone who puts his own soul up as collateral to free people who have for one reason or another made a pact with a demon. Definitely a little different than your typical urban fantasy. Introduced to the world of demon pacts and champions after saving his brother, Jesse discovers there are other champions out there who help fight for those who become indebted to a demon. Something has changed though, and champions are going missing.
I definitely underestimated this book. I haven’t enjoyed an urban fantasy book this much in a while. The book was just plain fun. A big part of that was due to the writing. It’s written in a humorous style, which can go very wrong very easily but the author pulls it off here with aplomb.
Jesse is an interesting guy. Fighting demons as a champion is a side gig for him, he has a wife, daughter, and other job. A big chunk of the book follows him around as he does pretty normal things. It could have easily gotten boring but the writing was good enough I never got impatient as the story gradually developed. Jesse seemed like the closest thing to Harry Dresden I’ve seen in a fantasy novel, though it never read as a Dresden clone. The book is also much more grounded than other urban fantasy series out there. Jesse is just a dude fighting some demons, who frequently ends up in the hospital and has to figure out how to pay his medical bills.
The book is a little light on action, but it was still thoroughly enjoyable and I’ll definitely be reading more of this series.
Well that was unexpectedly good. I’ll be honest, I didn’t have extremely high hopes for this book. I had never heard of it before and there aren’t a huge number of ratings, but the plot looked interesting and the Kindle sample pretty decent so I gave it a try, and I’m very glad I did.
Jesse James Dawson (what a name, huh?) is a champion, someone who puts his own soul up as collateral to free people who have for one reason or another made a pact with a demon. Definitely a little different than your typical urban fantasy. Introduced to the world of demon pacts and champions after saving his brother, Jesse discovers there are other champions out there who help fight for those who become indebted to a demon. Something has changed though, and champions are going missing.
I definitely underestimated this book. I haven’t enjoyed an urban fantasy book this much in a while. The book was just plain fun. A big part of that was due to the writing. It’s written in a humorous style, which can go very wrong very easily but the author pulls it off here with aplomb.
Jesse is an interesting guy. Fighting demons as a champion is a side gig for him, he has a wife, daughter, and other job. A big chunk of the book follows him around as he does pretty normal things. It could have easily gotten boring but the writing was good enough I never got impatient as the story gradually developed. Jesse seemed like the closest thing to Harry Dresden I’ve seen in a fantasy novel, though it never read as a Dresden clone. The book is also much more grounded than other urban fantasy series out there. Jesse is just a dude fighting some demons, who frequently ends up in the hospital and has to figure out how to pay his medical bills.
The book is a little light on action, but it was still thoroughly enjoyable and I’ll definitely be reading more of this series.
March 15, 2012
In her debut novel K.A. Stewart bring us into the world of Demon contracts for a Human's Soul and the Champions of the world who fight to get them back. Enter an ultimate battle of Good vs Evil.
Jesse James Dawson is a Champion, he helps those individuals who have sold their souls to a demon, for a wish. However, there is always a cost to save another person's soul. A battle to the death, with a set of rules of course. Each time Jesse fights a demon his own soul is on the line, and he has everything to loose. Only relying on his samurai practices he does the ultimately battle of good vs evil for the human soul. However, there is trouble brewing within the Champion world. Champions have gone missing and there is no information as who they were helping and whether they are alive or dead. All the Champions are told to be wary, someone has changed the rules of this dangerous game and if Jesse cannot figure out the new set of rules, his next battle may result in him loosing his soul.
Stewart has created something different on an old saying "be careful what you wish for". This book starts you off right in a battle sequence, so how could it not grab your attention, plus Jesse is battling for the soul of the President (makes you wonder what he traded his soul for, maybe winning an election). Also the demon that he is fighting also grabbed my attention as it was not your typical demon (well mainly in the paranormal genre the Demon is some hunky looking man or women, this is drastically different....I talk more about the demons further on).
The Champion concept kind of reminded me of the league of extraordinary gentlemen, with less powers, however the book does not go into too much detail as to what powers some of the other champions have and I hope that Stewart explores this in future books. Jesse, is the rare one (and I mean only one) in the league as he does not have any powers, his wife, Mira, is the powerful one in the family as she is a witch. You also get a sense that his daughter, Annabell, has some form of powers as she is always asking her Dad if he is going to come back to her tonight, or to be careful. I think that this might be something that Stewart may develop in future books. Mira appears to be a fairly powerful witch as she is able to create wards for the house and Jesse, as well as perform other spells that I do not have a name for. I enjoyed that the individual with the powers in the book is the person who is not fighting the Demons, well unless you count hurricane Annabell.
This is a male lead book, but this did not take away from the story for me. Jesse is a great character, he is the perfect mix of bad-ass Samaria (a Scottish Samaria to be more specific, lol) and father (I know a very interesting mix). His appearance is one that may have you walking on the other side of the street but he has a good heart (well most of the time). He has a great whit, that had me laughing, but he is honourable and is willing to help those out who are truly regret selling their soul. I think the best part about Jesse really is his lack of power and relying on his human powers and skills with different blades in order to fight the demons. He is also different from the typical demon slayer in the fantasy or paranormal genre as he is not over steroid males like many of the male leads in this genre (Jesse is the first one to let you know that he is not small, just Wiry. Trust me this leads to some funny moments).
The Demons that Stewart has created are interesting as well, though their practices are like those of lawyers. They key in on every detail in a contract that is made and are always trying to find the loop hole. There are several different classification of demons and they range in power. The amount of power that they have determines what type of form they appear on the human plane. For example, at the beginning he is fighting a Scuttle (as Jesse calls them) so it appears, what I pictured as a giant crab. The higher on the scale the more sophisticated the form of the demon. It also makes me wonder what Axel, a demon who Jesse associates with on an almost daily basis, form is as he is able to take over creatures bodies. Axel is a very scary demon, as he acts as Jesse's friend, but Jesse always has to keep in his mind that Axel is ultimately after his soul. So Jesse needs to tread carefully especially with how he words or questions Axel as he could inadvertently enter into a contract.
Stewart really brings new life to be careful what you wish for saying, as there may be someone or something there that can make your wishes and dreams come true, and it is probably not worth the consequences. This book kept me interested throughout. I think Stewart has an easy yet detailed writing style, that kept me reading and wanting to see what will happen next and that includes picking up the next book in this series.
Enjoy!!!
Jesse James Dawson is a Champion, he helps those individuals who have sold their souls to a demon, for a wish. However, there is always a cost to save another person's soul. A battle to the death, with a set of rules of course. Each time Jesse fights a demon his own soul is on the line, and he has everything to loose. Only relying on his samurai practices he does the ultimately battle of good vs evil for the human soul. However, there is trouble brewing within the Champion world. Champions have gone missing and there is no information as who they were helping and whether they are alive or dead. All the Champions are told to be wary, someone has changed the rules of this dangerous game and if Jesse cannot figure out the new set of rules, his next battle may result in him loosing his soul.
Stewart has created something different on an old saying "be careful what you wish for". This book starts you off right in a battle sequence, so how could it not grab your attention, plus Jesse is battling for the soul of the President (makes you wonder what he traded his soul for, maybe winning an election). Also the demon that he is fighting also grabbed my attention as it was not your typical demon (well mainly in the paranormal genre the Demon is some hunky looking man or women, this is drastically different....I talk more about the demons further on).
The Champion concept kind of reminded me of the league of extraordinary gentlemen, with less powers, however the book does not go into too much detail as to what powers some of the other champions have and I hope that Stewart explores this in future books. Jesse, is the rare one (and I mean only one) in the league as he does not have any powers, his wife, Mira, is the powerful one in the family as she is a witch. You also get a sense that his daughter, Annabell, has some form of powers as she is always asking her Dad if he is going to come back to her tonight, or to be careful. I think that this might be something that Stewart may develop in future books. Mira appears to be a fairly powerful witch as she is able to create wards for the house and Jesse, as well as perform other spells that I do not have a name for. I enjoyed that the individual with the powers in the book is the person who is not fighting the Demons, well unless you count hurricane Annabell.
This is a male lead book, but this did not take away from the story for me. Jesse is a great character, he is the perfect mix of bad-ass Samaria (a Scottish Samaria to be more specific, lol) and father (I know a very interesting mix). His appearance is one that may have you walking on the other side of the street but he has a good heart (well most of the time). He has a great whit, that had me laughing, but he is honourable and is willing to help those out who are truly regret selling their soul. I think the best part about Jesse really is his lack of power and relying on his human powers and skills with different blades in order to fight the demons. He is also different from the typical demon slayer in the fantasy or paranormal genre as he is not over steroid males like many of the male leads in this genre (Jesse is the first one to let you know that he is not small, just Wiry. Trust me this leads to some funny moments).
The Demons that Stewart has created are interesting as well, though their practices are like those of lawyers. They key in on every detail in a contract that is made and are always trying to find the loop hole. There are several different classification of demons and they range in power. The amount of power that they have determines what type of form they appear on the human plane. For example, at the beginning he is fighting a Scuttle (as Jesse calls them) so it appears, what I pictured as a giant crab. The higher on the scale the more sophisticated the form of the demon. It also makes me wonder what Axel, a demon who Jesse associates with on an almost daily basis, form is as he is able to take over creatures bodies. Axel is a very scary demon, as he acts as Jesse's friend, but Jesse always has to keep in his mind that Axel is ultimately after his soul. So Jesse needs to tread carefully especially with how he words or questions Axel as he could inadvertently enter into a contract.
Stewart really brings new life to be careful what you wish for saying, as there may be someone or something there that can make your wishes and dreams come true, and it is probably not worth the consequences. This book kept me interested throughout. I think Stewart has an easy yet detailed writing style, that kept me reading and wanting to see what will happen next and that includes picking up the next book in this series.
Enjoy!!!
August 10, 2017
The humor in etched into the little preview and the start of the book was a nice hook to snag my interest. All in all, I really like the characters that make up the story but the lack of applicable knowledge about 'samurai' philosophies, fighting, armor and weapons was a total turn off. These elements are the core pieces that make up more than a third of this book and that made the reading a bit painful at times.
Not a lot happens in A Devil in the Details. You get a good look at Jesse James Dawson, his family, relevant friends and how he got into the demon fighting business. The whole book is a simple setup for the series that lays out the ground rules for how it'll work.
Unfortunately, the story sounds like a woman writing a story about a man. I prefer to read my stories and not think about the writer at all except to key in their particular style for the story in my hands. I enjoy getting a handle on how and why a writer chooses to weave a story with their words. What kind of response they're looking to pull from the reader and how they create the story that will play in my head. I don't really want to think about the writer as a person hanging over my head as I read the story. I want to be involved in the story. That's hard to do when I have to keep reminding myself that:
1) Jesse is a man with a wife & cute kid.
2) Hold onto the cool fact that he tries to understand Eastern philosophies & forget the errors in how it's all represented.
3) It's really funny how Jesse is not a stereotypical guy but the author works really hard to make me think he is. Except when he comes off like a female trying to act like a guy. Wait. That's the writer. Not the character.
I would have liked the book more if it was about a spunky female defending humanity against demons because that would have been more believable.
Do not read this book if you think it's going to be a ton of action involved. That's probably in book two. The opening totally fooled me into thinking that a lot of things will happen in the story. My bad. I was totally hoodwinked.
It's a cute story. The characters are fun. The author did a nice job at trying to make a down to earth character that's also a badass hero. The relationship Jesse has with his wife and daughter is coo worthy. I wonder if anyone picked up on the fact that he doesn't tell pertinent information to his wife when he should. Wave aside the whole macho 'I don't want to tell her I'm injured' bit and let's focus on the fact that if his life is endangered, it does not take a genius to figure out that those close to him would be in danger. Magic is cool for defending against certain harm. It doesn't work for everything. I kept waiting for Jesse to do something about that and it never happened. This seemed completely out of character and drove me nuts while I was reading the story.
I like this story much more than a few others I have read in the past few months. It has a lot of promise. I may pick up the next book at some point in the future when I have a more forgiving attitude.
Not a lot happens in A Devil in the Details. You get a good look at Jesse James Dawson, his family, relevant friends and how he got into the demon fighting business. The whole book is a simple setup for the series that lays out the ground rules for how it'll work.
Unfortunately, the story sounds like a woman writing a story about a man. I prefer to read my stories and not think about the writer at all except to key in their particular style for the story in my hands. I enjoy getting a handle on how and why a writer chooses to weave a story with their words. What kind of response they're looking to pull from the reader and how they create the story that will play in my head. I don't really want to think about the writer as a person hanging over my head as I read the story. I want to be involved in the story. That's hard to do when I have to keep reminding myself that:
1) Jesse is a man with a wife & cute kid.
2) Hold onto the cool fact that he tries to understand Eastern philosophies & forget the errors in how it's all represented.
3) It's really funny how Jesse is not a stereotypical guy but the author works really hard to make me think he is. Except when he comes off like a female trying to act like a guy. Wait. That's the writer. Not the character.
I would have liked the book more if it was about a spunky female defending humanity against demons because that would have been more believable.
Do not read this book if you think it's going to be a ton of action involved. That's probably in book two. The opening totally fooled me into thinking that a lot of things will happen in the story. My bad. I was totally hoodwinked.
It's a cute story. The characters are fun. The author did a nice job at trying to make a down to earth character that's also a badass hero. The relationship Jesse has with his wife and daughter is coo worthy. I wonder if anyone picked up on the fact that he doesn't tell pertinent information to his wife when he should. Wave aside the whole macho 'I don't want to tell her I'm injured' bit and let's focus on the fact that if his life is endangered, it does not take a genius to figure out that those close to him would be in danger. Magic is cool for defending against certain harm. It doesn't work for everything. I kept waiting for Jesse to do something about that and it never happened. This seemed completely out of character and drove me nuts while I was reading the story.
I like this story much more than a few others I have read in the past few months. It has a lot of promise. I may pick up the next book at some point in the future when I have a more forgiving attitude.
March 11, 2011
Every once in awhile a story comes along that has a male lead character that changes your prospective of the Fantasy genre and into trying something new for a change. This, to me, is that story. I still prefer female leads, but this story is so very unique, that it surprised me how well I liked it, and will definitely look forward to the next release, A Shot In The Dark, once it is released in July 2011.
Our lead character is named Jesse James Dawson. Yes, Jesse James. His father had a thing for westerns.
Jesse was a wild child growing up, and ended up in the right place at the right time, and changed his ways and most likely his life as well. Jessie is father to 5 year old Annabelle and husband to Mira who is a powerful witch. He works as a retail clerk at a store called It. He has a black belt in karate, jujitsu, and is a modern day samurai, and he's one of the last remaining demon fighters in the world. The family dynamics are what really caught my interest in this story. Sure the demon slaying was interested as well, but I haven't really found another story like this in a very long time. Jessie puts himself at risk for others, but Mira is right there standing by his side and helping him with her magical protection, and even diving in when one of their friends, Miguel, turns up missing and presumed dead.
The story (In Jesse's POV) tells us that Jesse saved his younger brother Cole's soul after he sold it to save his dying son. Cole, it seems, turned out okay, and thanks to Jessie got a nice career as a police officer. Cole only played a background part in this story, so, we really can't tell if the brothers are actually close or not.
Another charater of interest is Ivan Zelenko. Ivan is a Ukranian who put together the organzation that is responsible for slaying demons, and their training as well. Most of his champions are men, with the one exceptioin of Svetlana who resides in Eastern Europe, and for whom we don't get a chance to meet as well as the other champions. Ivan has at his disposal a network called the Grapevine, which is supposed to be hacker safe. It's a way for all champions to keep in touch with Ivan, and to get their next assignments.
The story starts out with Jessie saving/retrieving the soul of the Presidents. Jessie tells us that you don't really kill demons, you wear them down until they lose the strength to hold onto this plane. There are 5 levels of demons: Fallen Angels, which are the highest, Scuttles, Snots, Shirts, and Skins. Each more powerful than the other. After Jessie beats the Giant Crab demon, he ends up spending the next 3 weeks in the ICU, and is out of commission while he heals from his extreme injuries. We learn that he has a plethora of other injuries from battling demons. Good thing he has a good doctor he can deal with; Dr Bridget Smith, and ex lover.
Jessie then takes a job from a baseball player named Nelson Kidd, who throw the story for a loop at the end. He sold his soul to a demon in order to remain active in baseball, and not washing up. During this time, Jessie finds himself being tracked and hunted by an unknown demon, who it appears, has also gone after two other champions and killed them. At the same time, another demon named Axel, continues to try to tempt Jessie into giving up his soul. Personally, I found Axel aggravating, and one of the reasons I lowered my rating on this story. He has information that can help Jessie, but being a demon, he's just to stupid to be allowed to live.
*Thanks to Jessie saving the Presidents soul, he gets a huge favor when he is set-up as attacking another man, who sold his soul to the demons*
This is a new author to me, and a definite to follow to see how Jessie's story plays itself out.
Recommended: Everyone who enjoys a good yarn of a story, with a family dynamic that is a beautiful thing to read about.
Our lead character is named Jesse James Dawson. Yes, Jesse James. His father had a thing for westerns.
Jesse was a wild child growing up, and ended up in the right place at the right time, and changed his ways and most likely his life as well. Jessie is father to 5 year old Annabelle and husband to Mira who is a powerful witch. He works as a retail clerk at a store called It. He has a black belt in karate, jujitsu, and is a modern day samurai, and he's one of the last remaining demon fighters in the world. The family dynamics are what really caught my interest in this story. Sure the demon slaying was interested as well, but I haven't really found another story like this in a very long time. Jessie puts himself at risk for others, but Mira is right there standing by his side and helping him with her magical protection, and even diving in when one of their friends, Miguel, turns up missing and presumed dead.
The story (In Jesse's POV) tells us that Jesse saved his younger brother Cole's soul after he sold it to save his dying son. Cole, it seems, turned out okay, and thanks to Jessie got a nice career as a police officer. Cole only played a background part in this story, so, we really can't tell if the brothers are actually close or not.
Another charater of interest is Ivan Zelenko. Ivan is a Ukranian who put together the organzation that is responsible for slaying demons, and their training as well. Most of his champions are men, with the one exceptioin of Svetlana who resides in Eastern Europe, and for whom we don't get a chance to meet as well as the other champions. Ivan has at his disposal a network called the Grapevine, which is supposed to be hacker safe. It's a way for all champions to keep in touch with Ivan, and to get their next assignments.
The story starts out with Jessie saving/retrieving the soul of the Presidents. Jessie tells us that you don't really kill demons, you wear them down until they lose the strength to hold onto this plane. There are 5 levels of demons: Fallen Angels, which are the highest, Scuttles, Snots, Shirts, and Skins. Each more powerful than the other. After Jessie beats the Giant Crab demon, he ends up spending the next 3 weeks in the ICU, and is out of commission while he heals from his extreme injuries. We learn that he has a plethora of other injuries from battling demons. Good thing he has a good doctor he can deal with; Dr Bridget Smith, and ex lover.
Jessie then takes a job from a baseball player named Nelson Kidd, who throw the story for a loop at the end. He sold his soul to a demon in order to remain active in baseball, and not washing up. During this time, Jessie finds himself being tracked and hunted by an unknown demon, who it appears, has also gone after two other champions and killed them. At the same time, another demon named Axel, continues to try to tempt Jessie into giving up his soul. Personally, I found Axel aggravating, and one of the reasons I lowered my rating on this story. He has information that can help Jessie, but being a demon, he's just to stupid to be allowed to live.
*Thanks to Jessie saving the Presidents soul, he gets a huge favor when he is set-up as attacking another man, who sold his soul to the demons*
This is a new author to me, and a definite to follow to see how Jessie's story plays itself out.
Recommended: Everyone who enjoys a good yarn of a story, with a family dynamic that is a beautiful thing to read about.
October 12, 2014
Sometimes when you add books to your TBR list you aren't really sure about them, but they look interesting so you figure why not add them. Then days, weeks, or even months go by and you see a title and you wonder why you added it, but then you are at the bookstore or library and you see it there so you grab it, not really expecting much. That is what happened with me and this book. As I started to read it I even thought it would be one that I wouldn't be able to finish, but soon after the second chapter I was won over by the book.
What I find so appealing about this book is that Jesse is "normal". He has a crappy job, has a wife and kid, drives a POS that he loves dearly, but he also battles demons as a normal guy. No super healing, so super strength, just his brain and his muscles. So how does a seeming normal guy have a job in which he battles demons for peoples souls, well it is all because of his little brother.
We all have those siblings where we would do anything for and that is the case with Jesse and Cole. Cole's son was dying, he couldn't or wouldn't let that happen so he made a deal with a demon, his soul for his son's life. Afterward he realizes just how deep he is, so he goes to his older brother and Jesse takes care of things. This is how he discovered a world he didn't know existed, one in which there are champions that fight for people after they make stupid, selfish, or desperate choices they later regret.
Jesse wasn't always such a good guy, but after some stupid actions of his own as a teen his life takes a much different path, one in which being a champion seems like a good choice. There is also an organization for these champions, headed by Ivan, a guy I hope we can learn more about in later books. They even have a computer geek that seems interesting.
Jesse has a core group of people that he depends on to help him in his unusual profession. Mira, his wife, is also a witch and for some reason scares everyone, provides protection spells along with her unwavering support. His 2 best friends, one who is a blacksmith, providing armor and weapons, the other an EMT, who goes along with him to his battles, providing much needed medical care after. There is even a demon who is more than he seems, at times causing Jesse to forget just what he is.
This book is simple in is execution, there is no big massive world building, no new learning of languages, just a good old fashion battle of good vs. evil, with a good guy you can't help but root for!!
I can't wait for the next book!!
What I find so appealing about this book is that Jesse is "normal". He has a crappy job, has a wife and kid, drives a POS that he loves dearly, but he also battles demons as a normal guy. No super healing, so super strength, just his brain and his muscles. So how does a seeming normal guy have a job in which he battles demons for peoples souls, well it is all because of his little brother.
We all have those siblings where we would do anything for and that is the case with Jesse and Cole. Cole's son was dying, he couldn't or wouldn't let that happen so he made a deal with a demon, his soul for his son's life. Afterward he realizes just how deep he is, so he goes to his older brother and Jesse takes care of things. This is how he discovered a world he didn't know existed, one in which there are champions that fight for people after they make stupid, selfish, or desperate choices they later regret.
Jesse wasn't always such a good guy, but after some stupid actions of his own as a teen his life takes a much different path, one in which being a champion seems like a good choice. There is also an organization for these champions, headed by Ivan, a guy I hope we can learn more about in later books. They even have a computer geek that seems interesting.
Jesse has a core group of people that he depends on to help him in his unusual profession. Mira, his wife, is also a witch and for some reason scares everyone, provides protection spells along with her unwavering support. His 2 best friends, one who is a blacksmith, providing armor and weapons, the other an EMT, who goes along with him to his battles, providing much needed medical care after. There is even a demon who is more than he seems, at times causing Jesse to forget just what he is.
This book is simple in is execution, there is no big massive world building, no new learning of languages, just a good old fashion battle of good vs. evil, with a good guy you can't help but root for!!
I can't wait for the next book!!
April 5, 2012
I liked this one a lot. It felt like a very well-established world that we were just invited into, it just had a different tone than a lot of urban fantasy books. Part of that is because it was set in the real world, in Kansas City, Missouri, the Show Me State. It also came from the author's choices in establishing Jesse as a somewhat more mature man, not a young kid just starting out. He's around thirty, married and madly in love with his wife, Mira, a powerful magic user as well, and they have an adorable five year-old daughter, Annabelle. Yet he's also a cool young guy, kind of a hippie in appearance with a proclivity for tee-shirts with inappropriate sayings, but really a modern Samurai in spirit and actions. He's in the prime of his career as a Champion, helping people who've sold their souls to devils, reclaiming them by literally fighting for them.
The author does a great job of establishing this really normal world of suburban life juxtaposed with the jeopardy of someone needing to fight against the evil the devils are committing and showing how Jesse and his wife, Mira, are willing to be the ones take the risks involved in doing what's right despite the mortal jeopardy it puts him in every time. I likes the story and the twists, I liked all of the supporting characters, including Jesse's mentor, Ivan, a tough former probably-Soviet or Eastern Block agent of some sort, and Mira's best friend and Jesse's ex, Dr. Bridget. It was a little too convenient that Jesse's old neighbor and best buddy, Marty, was a welder with a passion to be a blacksmith, but it did explain how he took care of his swords and armor. And most intriguing of all was the demon, Axel, who was either trying to steal Jesse's soul or trying to help him by telling him that something sinister was going on beyond the normal contract he expected. Or both. It was a good set up for the next book.
And again, with all of these characters and situations there were so many touches that made it feel real and down to earth, such as the mention of how bad the padding in the armor smelled of sweat and blood, that no matter what he did he could never get it clean. It was just another thing made it feel really real. There was a lot in this book that felt more mature than I expected from a new author. It wasn't perfect, there were some pacing issues, but overall I really like Jesse and this situation the author has established and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
The author does a great job of establishing this really normal world of suburban life juxtaposed with the jeopardy of someone needing to fight against the evil the devils are committing and showing how Jesse and his wife, Mira, are willing to be the ones take the risks involved in doing what's right despite the mortal jeopardy it puts him in every time. I likes the story and the twists, I liked all of the supporting characters, including Jesse's mentor, Ivan, a tough former probably-Soviet or Eastern Block agent of some sort, and Mira's best friend and Jesse's ex, Dr. Bridget. It was a little too convenient that Jesse's old neighbor and best buddy, Marty, was a welder with a passion to be a blacksmith, but it did explain how he took care of his swords and armor. And most intriguing of all was the demon, Axel, who was either trying to steal Jesse's soul or trying to help him by telling him that something sinister was going on beyond the normal contract he expected. Or both. It was a good set up for the next book.
And again, with all of these characters and situations there were so many touches that made it feel real and down to earth, such as the mention of how bad the padding in the armor smelled of sweat and blood, that no matter what he did he could never get it clean. It was just another thing made it feel really real. There was a lot in this book that felt more mature than I expected from a new author. It wasn't perfect, there were some pacing issues, but overall I really like Jesse and this situation the author has established and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
July 25, 2015
This book had the potential to be something really great and I was a little frustrated that it didn't fully deliver on it's promise. It was still a decent and well written read though.
Jesse is one of a dwindling group of warriors that can be hired to fight demons to save the soul of the client from being taken. So if you do a deal with a demon and change your mind, Jesse can fight the demon in your place and hopefully win your soul back. Jesse is a good hero because he is flawed, funny, and for a pleasant change, is married with a kid. It makes him seem more like a normal guy with a strange job, and it was nice to see something a little different. He has a good personality and that is important for me in an MC.
The book starts with a bang as Jesse endures a brutal fight with a demon, and this was very well written and entertaining. I also liked the big fight at the end of the book which was clever and well thought out. The world building was solid, the writing was good and the author had a clear idea of where they were going and what they wanted to deliver. There was plenty to like about this book.
Where it fell a bit for me was spending way too much time with Jesse as a family man, with an annoying and very hyper child that got on my nerves. I hate children at the best of times so this was pretty irritating. It caused the book to become pretty slow after that initial fight scene. It took to page 128 to negotiate his next fight, which then doesn't take place until page 267. There needed to be something other than his family life to fill in between the fights to keep the reader engaged.
So while I liked the character, the plot and the writing, I don't see me continuing with the series, based on how slow this book went in the middle-unless I get the chance to borrow it from a friend.
Jesse is one of a dwindling group of warriors that can be hired to fight demons to save the soul of the client from being taken. So if you do a deal with a demon and change your mind, Jesse can fight the demon in your place and hopefully win your soul back. Jesse is a good hero because he is flawed, funny, and for a pleasant change, is married with a kid. It makes him seem more like a normal guy with a strange job, and it was nice to see something a little different. He has a good personality and that is important for me in an MC.
The book starts with a bang as Jesse endures a brutal fight with a demon, and this was very well written and entertaining. I also liked the big fight at the end of the book which was clever and well thought out. The world building was solid, the writing was good and the author had a clear idea of where they were going and what they wanted to deliver. There was plenty to like about this book.
Where it fell a bit for me was spending way too much time with Jesse as a family man, with an annoying and very hyper child that got on my nerves. I hate children at the best of times so this was pretty irritating. It caused the book to become pretty slow after that initial fight scene. It took to page 128 to negotiate his next fight, which then doesn't take place until page 267. There needed to be something other than his family life to fill in between the fights to keep the reader engaged.
So while I liked the character, the plot and the writing, I don't see me continuing with the series, based on how slow this book went in the middle-unless I get the chance to borrow it from a friend.
November 3, 2010
2.5 stars. Nice action, intriguing story - but some things just didn't click for me. The fact that Jesse didn't know Esteban despite having attended Miguel's wedding. The fact that Jesse was all about honor and the rules - but God forbid, if Axel the Demon insisted on adhering to them; it proved that Jesse wasn't honorable, but a simple hypocrite. The way he kept repeating that Mira would kill him. The fact that he kept moaning and whining about how bad his life style was for his family - either change your life or shut it, buster! The fact that he didn't mention being hurt or being followed to anybody! So, despite some positive things, the book left me feeling... annoyed. And actually sorry for Axel the Demon!
September 23, 2011
It's refreshing to see a hero who is an unashamedly noble man. Jesse follows bushido, has a wife and a daughter, no dark tragic history, no half demon heritage, no nuthin awful. He's not a Gary Stu or a paladin by any means, just a good imperfect guy who is trying to do the right thing.
Sometimes I feel as though the author is trying a little too hard to be funny, and perhaps because of the hero's nobility there isn't as much emotional or moral complexity as there might be in some UF, but these two books (A Devil in the Details and its sequel, A Shot in the Dark) are still entertaining. It will be interesting to see where Stewart goes from here.
Sometimes I feel as though the author is trying a little too hard to be funny, and perhaps because of the hero's nobility there isn't as much emotional or moral complexity as there might be in some UF, but these two books (A Devil in the Details and its sequel, A Shot in the Dark) are still entertaining. It will be interesting to see where Stewart goes from here.
August 23, 2010
This book was a great debut for me. The story began with the protagonist fighting with a crab and then it expounded to fit this world wherein warriors fight demons for people's souls. The biggest draw was the main character who's funny & heroic in the proper amount for the reader to enjoy the story.
Looking forward to the sequel & especially Axel! 4 & half stars as it won't allow me to show it starwise.
Looking forward to the sequel & especially Axel! 4 & half stars as it won't allow me to show it starwise.
January 13, 2018
Ever since his brother got himself in trouble making a bargain with a demon and Jesse had to wager his own soul in a deadly duel with the demon in question to get him out of it, he's been working as a champion: Putting his soul on the line, over and over, to help others who have foolishly entered into bargains with demons. There are only a couple of handfuls of champions operating all over the world, keeping in touch through a loose organization aided by the marvels of the internet - and now several of them die in unusual battles in short succession. Something dangerous is going on, and it may be coming for Jesse next.
This was a great series opener, lots of action and characters I very much want more of. Having a husband and father as the protagonist makes a nice change from the usual lone ranger types populating the genre, and I really loved Jesse and his modern day samurai philosophy. Looking forward to reading more from this series!
This was a great series opener, lots of action and characters I very much want more of. Having a husband and father as the protagonist makes a nice change from the usual lone ranger types populating the genre, and I really loved Jesse and his modern day samurai philosophy. Looking forward to reading more from this series!
October 1, 2012
I found myself enjoying this very much. It starts off with action, lulls in a few spots, but has enough action to keep me satisfied.
I am 100% in love with Jesse James Dawson. He is a different type of hero than what I am used to reading in UF and PNR in that he already has a family, so there's not that true romance element there, but it's obvious he loves his family and adores his wife. Also, he's 100% human and doesn't seem to have any special abilities whatsoever. He can fight, obviously, but that has to do with being enrolled in martial arts during his misspent youth. He is quite talented at it, though and he needs to be considering what he tends to fight are demons.
As I said above, there are some lulls in the story. We see a lot of Jesse's home life as well as his work life, but there are still moments during those times that are relevant to the overall story. Such as the visits from Axel, who just so happens to be a demon after Jesse's soul. He seems to be pretty persistent in that. Why does he want Jesse's soul so badly, anyway? I found Axel to be interesting. He seems to want to warn Jesse about something going on with the demons, but of course, he insists he can't do so without getting something for the information. While Axel may not be the ultimate big bad that I have a feeling is out there, I have to agree with Jesse's decision not to make a bargain with him. I have a feeling it might come back to bite him in the ass, but what can he do? The things Axel asked for aren't things that I can see someone like Jesse giving up to a demon. A lesser person might, but not Jesse. I'm looking forward to seeing how that plays out.
Another character I was intrigued by was Paulo. I knew I guessed right regarding his identity, but I was still pleased when I turned out to be right. I like that he will be sticking around. Better for Jesse to try to improve his fighting skills than letting the boy go off on his own and get himself killed. I'm hoping to see much more of him in the future.
I also really liked Jesse's wife Mira. No wilting willow is she. She's easy to like. His daughter Annabelle is just too cute. I loved Ivan, too and all of his broken English.
Like Jesse, I didn't suspect the person behind the circumstances that ended up with the other Champions dead. I thought it was related to whatever was going on with the blue Ford Escort that seemed to be hell bent on taking Jesse out, but that seems to be something entirely separate. I'm really curious to know what that is all about. I have a feeling we'll be seeing that guy who got away again at some point.
While this wasn't the most exciting book, I thought it did a nice job of setting up the world for the series and I just plain love Jesse. I will definitely be continuing on with the series.
I am 100% in love with Jesse James Dawson. He is a different type of hero than what I am used to reading in UF and PNR in that he already has a family, so there's not that true romance element there, but it's obvious he loves his family and adores his wife. Also, he's 100% human and doesn't seem to have any special abilities whatsoever. He can fight, obviously, but that has to do with being enrolled in martial arts during his misspent youth. He is quite talented at it, though and he needs to be considering what he tends to fight are demons.
As I said above, there are some lulls in the story. We see a lot of Jesse's home life as well as his work life, but there are still moments during those times that are relevant to the overall story. Such as the visits from Axel, who just so happens to be a demon after Jesse's soul. He seems to be pretty persistent in that. Why does he want Jesse's soul so badly, anyway? I found Axel to be interesting. He seems to want to warn Jesse about something going on with the demons, but of course, he insists he can't do so without getting something for the information. While Axel may not be the ultimate big bad that I have a feeling is out there, I have to agree with Jesse's decision not to make a bargain with him. I have a feeling it might come back to bite him in the ass, but what can he do? The things Axel asked for aren't things that I can see someone like Jesse giving up to a demon. A lesser person might, but not Jesse. I'm looking forward to seeing how that plays out.
Another character I was intrigued by was Paulo. I knew I guessed right regarding his identity, but I was still pleased when I turned out to be right. I like that he will be sticking around. Better for Jesse to try to improve his fighting skills than letting the boy go off on his own and get himself killed. I'm hoping to see much more of him in the future.
I also really liked Jesse's wife Mira. No wilting willow is she. She's easy to like. His daughter Annabelle is just too cute. I loved Ivan, too and all of his broken English.
Like Jesse, I didn't suspect the person behind the circumstances that ended up with the other Champions dead. I thought it was related to whatever was going on with the blue Ford Escort that seemed to be hell bent on taking Jesse out, but that seems to be something entirely separate. I'm really curious to know what that is all about. I have a feeling we'll be seeing that guy who got away again at some point.
While this wasn't the most exciting book, I thought it did a nice job of setting up the world for the series and I just plain love Jesse. I will definitely be continuing on with the series.
August 19, 2013
I'll start of by saying I rather enjoyed reading this book, the concept for the story is very good and I liked the way the characters interacted.
Now, the bad part, my rating figures more along the angle that while a fantasy novel the main character is just too out there for my liking I can't picture him as someone believable. We have an early 30 something, teenage thug turned philosophical American Samurai wannabe, who has his own Japanese meditation garden, and wields Katana's made by one of his best friends in college who decided it was his mission in life to be an old world style blacksmith. Our main character Jesse also has a wife whose a witch, and a daughter. He holds down a part time job at a punky/goth clothing store, and on the side he helps people who have signed away their souls to demons by taking on contacts to fight the demons to the death (for him anyway, the demons just go home afterwards and have trouble coming back again)
it may just be me, but he just seems like so much of an unbelievable combination of traits to make this guy that it really hurt my interest in the novel as a whole and that's why its only a 3 star book.
Main character aside, the story is told well and while predictable at times, it does a good job at making you want to invest more time finding out what happens next. I'm likey to try the 2nd in the series just due to the parts I liked about it but I'm not sold on the lead char at all.
Now, the bad part, my rating figures more along the angle that while a fantasy novel the main character is just too out there for my liking I can't picture him as someone believable. We have an early 30 something, teenage thug turned philosophical American Samurai wannabe, who has his own Japanese meditation garden, and wields Katana's made by one of his best friends in college who decided it was his mission in life to be an old world style blacksmith. Our main character Jesse also has a wife whose a witch, and a daughter. He holds down a part time job at a punky/goth clothing store, and on the side he helps people who have signed away their souls to demons by taking on contacts to fight the demons to the death (for him anyway, the demons just go home afterwards and have trouble coming back again)
it may just be me, but he just seems like so much of an unbelievable combination of traits to make this guy that it really hurt my interest in the novel as a whole and that's why its only a 3 star book.
Main character aside, the story is told well and while predictable at times, it does a good job at making you want to invest more time finding out what happens next. I'm likey to try the 2nd in the series just due to the parts I liked about it but I'm not sold on the lead char at all.
September 8, 2010
Hey, this was a promising start to a new series! The main character is Jesse, a martial artist who is a "Champion", one of a few people who fights demons of behalf of individuals who regret the loss of their soul after they've sold it to the devil. He discovered this world previously after his brother comes to him for help, having sold his own soul to save his child.
Pretty strong action story about Jesse's latest client and the mysterious disappearance and probable death of two other Champions, plus a stalker in a blue Ford, and an untrustworthy demon who keeps showing up in Jesse's back yard to play chess and to presumably cultivate Jesse's soul. Great protagonist - he's a smartass, is married, loves his little girl and wife (a Wiccan who has her own strong personality), has to work a day job at a funky t-shirt shop to support the family, and follows bushido philosophy.
The last fight scene could have been a little longer, felt slightly anticlimatic, but it's a great book. I might be biased in favor, admittedly, because of the smartassery and the realistic bushido details and the way Jesse gets hurt (as one would) without having it "magicked" away.
Pretty strong action story about Jesse's latest client and the mysterious disappearance and probable death of two other Champions, plus a stalker in a blue Ford, and an untrustworthy demon who keeps showing up in Jesse's back yard to play chess and to presumably cultivate Jesse's soul. Great protagonist - he's a smartass, is married, loves his little girl and wife (a Wiccan who has her own strong personality), has to work a day job at a funky t-shirt shop to support the family, and follows bushido philosophy.
The last fight scene could have been a little longer, felt slightly anticlimatic, but it's a great book. I might be biased in favor, admittedly, because of the smartassery and the realistic bushido details and the way Jesse gets hurt (as one would) without having it "magicked" away.
January 4, 2014
This book has a lot of promise to it. It features a smart-ass white knight who fights to help those around him, even if they don't necessarily deserve - I kept thinking back to early Harry Dresden while reading this.
Jesse was a young punk who turned his life around when he got involved in martial arts. Now he tries to follow the way of the Samurai and fights to help people break contracts they've made with demons.
I really wanted to like this story, but despite the good protagonist and interesting world, I just couldn't stay involved with the book. About halfway through it started taking longer and longer for me to pick the book up again. I eventually skimmed the rest of the book and put it down.
I saw another review talk about how there's too much domesticity in this book, and I think that was part of the problem. It's always nice to have the hero's every day life make an appearance in a book, but in this book there was too much family life, day job and visiting with friends. It slowed the pace down to a crawl and got a bit boring.
Despite having trouble being hooked by this book, there was enough promise that I'll give book two a shot.
Jesse was a young punk who turned his life around when he got involved in martial arts. Now he tries to follow the way of the Samurai and fights to help people break contracts they've made with demons.
I really wanted to like this story, but despite the good protagonist and interesting world, I just couldn't stay involved with the book. About halfway through it started taking longer and longer for me to pick the book up again. I eventually skimmed the rest of the book and put it down.
I saw another review talk about how there's too much domesticity in this book, and I think that was part of the problem. It's always nice to have the hero's every day life make an appearance in a book, but in this book there was too much family life, day job and visiting with friends. It slowed the pace down to a crawl and got a bit boring.
Despite having trouble being hooked by this book, there was enough promise that I'll give book two a shot.
February 23, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was light, refreshing and entertaining (for once the main protagonist is actually married and has a daughter and the interaction between the family members was very nice to read). I've already read all four books in the series and I'm looking forward to the next one.
The main protagonist is very likable character. I'd say he is a cross between Harry Dresden from Jim Butcher's series and Niko from Cal Leandros series by Rob Thruman (not a copy of course but in many ways he is similar to these characters). I'm a huge fan of The Dresden Files and this series reminds me of Jim Butcher's books a little. It's nowhere near as good in my opinion but I really liked it and spent nice evenings reading about Jesse's adventures. The book is told from his point of view what makes it even better because Jesse is very funny and sarcastic narrator.
As for the story...nothing really new or epic. Demons, magic, good guys fighting evil etc. But again it was very interesting and the book had me hooked from the first page.
Oh and I really really like Axel:)
The main protagonist is very likable character. I'd say he is a cross between Harry Dresden from Jim Butcher's series and Niko from Cal Leandros series by Rob Thruman (not a copy of course but in many ways he is similar to these characters). I'm a huge fan of The Dresden Files and this series reminds me of Jim Butcher's books a little. It's nowhere near as good in my opinion but I really liked it and spent nice evenings reading about Jesse's adventures. The book is told from his point of view what makes it even better because Jesse is very funny and sarcastic narrator.
As for the story...nothing really new or epic. Demons, magic, good guys fighting evil etc. But again it was very interesting and the book had me hooked from the first page.
Oh and I really really like Axel:)
May 5, 2011
Jesse is a blade for hire if the person hiring is sincere that he/she made a highly stupid mistake by selling their soul to a demon to acquire something they desire. Jesse's job is to fight it out with the demon to get said soul returned. He also has a job at a funky clothing shop that has a loose enough schedule for Jesse to train and fight as needed.
I love Jesse's wife and daughter. They both put up with a lot with the secrecy and Jesse's missions with alacrity and hugs. Mira is a witch and ornery and Anna is five and ornery. Jesse is a lucky man.
Oh boy! Another superb new-to-me series that I couldn't wait to put the rest of the series on the WWBL....second in the series is SHOT IN THE DARK out on 5 Jul 2011. It's on the pre-order list.
Five Jesse'll get your soul back beans.....
I love Jesse's wife and daughter. They both put up with a lot with the secrecy and Jesse's missions with alacrity and hugs. Mira is a witch and ornery and Anna is five and ornery. Jesse is a lucky man.
Oh boy! Another superb new-to-me series that I couldn't wait to put the rest of the series on the WWBL....second in the series is SHOT IN THE DARK out on 5 Jul 2011. It's on the pre-order list.
Five Jesse'll get your soul back beans.....
August 12, 2011
This was a great, fun book! Loved the main character - he's like a cross between Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt and the boys from Supernatural, with a side of Samurai thrown in. :)
There were a couple nit-picky things for me in terms of pacing, but it's an entertainng read all around. Great characters! I'm really excited for the second book in the series, because the first one leaves you with the impression that you've only seen the tip of the iceberg. Can't wait to pick it up!
Write Me A World
There were a couple nit-picky things for me in terms of pacing, but it's an entertainng read all around. Great characters! I'm really excited for the second book in the series, because the first one leaves you with the impression that you've only seen the tip of the iceberg. Can't wait to pick it up!
Write Me A World
March 12, 2013
This was a quick read for me which had been on my backburner for a really long time.
Keeping this review short, what I liked was the author's style of not taking a dashing young protagonist and instead going with a middle aged committed father who is still trying to make sense of the world around him.
There is a lot of action and intrigue with really interesting characters (read: Axel). The author has kept world building to a minimum here which I felt was deliberate.
Really looking forward to read the next book in the series.
Keeping this review short, what I liked was the author's style of not taking a dashing young protagonist and instead going with a middle aged committed father who is still trying to make sense of the world around him.
There is a lot of action and intrigue with really interesting characters (read: Axel). The author has kept world building to a minimum here which I felt was deliberate.
Really looking forward to read the next book in the series.
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