Review of Demon Freaks
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Gabriel Elenbalulu
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Review of Demon Freaks
[Following is a volunteer review of "Demon Freaks" by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison.]
This is a wild-and-witty supernatural thriller that launches the same-old, everyday existences of teenage twins Ron and Bing Slaughter into an escalating battle against the forces of darkness. Just about the time they're stressing about their SATs and trying to stay out of trouble, it takes a sharp and bizarre turn. But their weirdo history teacher, Mr. Brom, and a golf-crazed cult are in cahoots with a devilish plot: to summon a demon. The brothers join forces with their buddies Meat and Kaitlyn as they dive headfirst into a chaotic adventure fighting off monsters, exploring hidden tunnels and exposing dark rituals that put their whole small town in danger.
The story culminates in a chapel pounded by the storm, where the group must leave nothing to chance, lest the demon surface in a life-and-death confrontation. This is a book of humor and horror and action from the very beginning to the very end, promising an adrenaline-filled experience that simply never ends. Under the fast-paced plot, Demon Freaks also explores deeper themes of loyalty, courage, and the fickle nature of fate.
Right in the middle of it all is the bond between Ron and Bing, unbending through it all. This relationship captures the strength of unity, the power of standing up to challenges together, and the bittersweet changeover of teenage years into adulthood. As each milestone passes, Groomgerock—the demonic dagger—serves as a chilling metaphor for the corrupting allure of power and remoulding Mr. Brom into a possessed antagonist aptly reminds us that evil can be right at one's nose, hiding behind masks of familiar faces.
Although plenty of action and thrills happened in the book, I gave it 4 out of 5 stars, mainly because some of the dialogue felt a bit forced. Ron exclaiming "Jesus Christ!" every time he's squeezed into a tight spot felt really overused to me—it was just too much of a catchphrase, and it yanked me out of the character. Much the same was true for the banter between characters: often funny but sometimes just one step shy of too scripted, lacking the organic feel of real life.
The dialogue probably was in need of a bit more work to make the characters come across a little more naturally. Nevertheless, considering these minor flaws, J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison offers a fun, fast-paced read with strong themes of friendship, teamwork, and bravery—perfect for those fans who love a good supernatural romp with heart. The book was also error-free and well-edited.
******
Demon Freaks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
This is a wild-and-witty supernatural thriller that launches the same-old, everyday existences of teenage twins Ron and Bing Slaughter into an escalating battle against the forces of darkness. Just about the time they're stressing about their SATs and trying to stay out of trouble, it takes a sharp and bizarre turn. But their weirdo history teacher, Mr. Brom, and a golf-crazed cult are in cahoots with a devilish plot: to summon a demon. The brothers join forces with their buddies Meat and Kaitlyn as they dive headfirst into a chaotic adventure fighting off monsters, exploring hidden tunnels and exposing dark rituals that put their whole small town in danger.
The story culminates in a chapel pounded by the storm, where the group must leave nothing to chance, lest the demon surface in a life-and-death confrontation. This is a book of humor and horror and action from the very beginning to the very end, promising an adrenaline-filled experience that simply never ends. Under the fast-paced plot, Demon Freaks also explores deeper themes of loyalty, courage, and the fickle nature of fate.
Right in the middle of it all is the bond between Ron and Bing, unbending through it all. This relationship captures the strength of unity, the power of standing up to challenges together, and the bittersweet changeover of teenage years into adulthood. As each milestone passes, Groomgerock—the demonic dagger—serves as a chilling metaphor for the corrupting allure of power and remoulding Mr. Brom into a possessed antagonist aptly reminds us that evil can be right at one's nose, hiding behind masks of familiar faces.
Although plenty of action and thrills happened in the book, I gave it 4 out of 5 stars, mainly because some of the dialogue felt a bit forced. Ron exclaiming "Jesus Christ!" every time he's squeezed into a tight spot felt really overused to me—it was just too much of a catchphrase, and it yanked me out of the character. Much the same was true for the banter between characters: often funny but sometimes just one step shy of too scripted, lacking the organic feel of real life.
The dialogue probably was in need of a bit more work to make the characters come across a little more naturally. Nevertheless, considering these minor flaws, J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison offers a fun, fast-paced read with strong themes of friendship, teamwork, and bravery—perfect for those fans who love a good supernatural romp with heart. The book was also error-free and well-edited.
******
Demon Freaks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Shanghai'd by Curtis Stephen Burdick
