Review by GabbiV -- Demon Freaks by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison

[GabbiV]

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

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Demon Freaks is a work of fiction written by JRRR Hardison that begins by following twins Bing and Ron Slaughter as they are pressured by their history teacher, Mr. Bron, to do well on their SAT test the next day. Neither of them is prepared, instead, they prefer to spend time writing songs for their band that changes names every day. The twins and their drummer friend, Meat, cause a disturbance during class raising Mr. Bron’s ire for the trio, which is duly felt by all three high school juniors.

After school, the three boys go to Meat’s vacant vacation house to practice both their music and for the big test coming up. As they wait for their pianist a thunderstorm cuts the electricity. A flash of lightning reveals Mr. Bron coming towards the house, prompting Ron to let him in, only for them to realize that their teacher is covered in blood and is trying to attack them with a dagger. Once subdued, Mr. Bron states ominously that there are people who aren’t normal that are trying to kill him, and by extension, the three boys as well. This is where the fantasy element becomes introduced in the form of a magic-wielding secret society called the Servants of Darkness and an enchanted dagger that has interesting effects on those who hold it.

I give this book 4 out of 4 stars for its quirky nature that leaves the reader amused and incredulous. The tone is irreverent, yet throughout the text there are several references and additions that are introduced in earnest, making for a fun read. Every few paragraphs there is an odd turn of phrase or seemingly random comment that makes the storytelling more fun to read through, as well as more memorable.

The pacing of the book is quick, so the reader doesn’t really get a chance to grow bored of the seemingly mundane introductory scene. Events pick up even more so during the second scene, which is where the real action takes place.

The dialogue between characters is also very enjoyable; the banter is quick and sounds authentically like dialogue that would take place between teenage boys. The relationships between friends and brothers feel natural, adding to the charm to the characters.

This book does get into pretty graphic depictions of violence early on, so anyone afraid of blood should move on, even if it is depicted as just uncharacteristic thoughts.

******
Demon Freaks
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes

Like GabbiV's review? Post a comment saying so!

[[Valerie Allen]]

Glad you enjoyed the read. But the spoiler alerts are just a bit much.