Review by NetMassimo -- Demon Freaks

[NetMassimo]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Demon Freaks" by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Demon Freaks by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison is a young adult horror novel with a lot of humor. Two twin brothers, Bing and Ron Slaughter, think their only problem is the SAT test. The night before the test they're supposed to study with their friends Meat and Kaitlyn when their history teacher pops up looking like a crazy man. Meat gets possessed by a mysterious dagger and some bad people want to sacrifice them to summon a demon.

In his fast-pace novel, the author gives just a glimpse of what the two twin brothers do in school before going into the main plot. Bing and Ron Slaughter are two normal boys who need to obtain good results at the SAT test and worry because their history teacher dislikes them. What looks like the beginning of a teen drama quickly turns into a horror story in which the two brothers risk their lives together with their friends. At the same time, a lot of humor will make you laugh.

The novel has a proper horror plot that is well developed. However, the author uses the plot elements and in particular some clichés of the horror genre twisting them in funny ways. The main villains are a group called the golfers and their acolytes dress like caddies. A magical dagger with a personality that spends a lot of time arguing with other characters.

Most of the plot covers one night with a focus on action with many twists and surprises. The consequence is that there's limited room for character development. Nonetheless, the protagonists show distinct personality traits and the author makes a point about showing the differences between the twins throughout the novel.

Sometimes the humor is a bit gross, for example when the twins make fun of their history teacher. They're teenagers in a young adult novel so you can expect that kind of attitude. Despite that, in my opinion, this novel can be enjoyed by adults as well.

The editing is very professional as I found no errors in the novel. My rating is 4 out of 4 stars because in my opinion the horror and humor elements are well balanced in a plot that flows well offering a lot of fun. I have to warn you that you might not like this novel if a character muttering "Jesus Christ!" all the time disturbs you. Keep in mind that there's a point in using it in this novel. If it doesn't disturb you, it's excellent if you want to have some fun based on a horror story.

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Demon Freaks
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[Gerry Steen]

I have never read a horror novel, but this might be the first one. I gather from your review that this story is fast-paced, has a mix of horror and humor, and is well-written. What is there not to like? Thank you.

[Benita Ogarekpe]

I’ve always felt like the horror genre was better in movies than in books, but I think this book might be the exception. The way you describe it, the comic action mixed in with everything else going on in this book– I’m hooked.

[NetMassimo]

I have never read a horror novel, but this might be the first one. I gather from your review that this story is fast-paced, has a mix of horror and humor, and is well-written. What is there not to like? Thank you.

You might think of this novel as a literary version of the Evil Dead films with even more humor. Thank you for commenting!

[NetMassimo]

I’ve always felt like the horror genre was better in movies than in books, but I think this book might be the exception. The way you describe it, the comic action mixed in with everything else going on in this book– I’m hooked.

This is very subjective, so to anyone their own. Certainly, I had fun reading this novel! Thank you for your comment!