Review by Kjwall5 -- Demon Freaks

[Kjwall5]

[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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I have just finished reading Demon Freaks by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison. The novel focuses on four friends and bandmates: identical twins Bing and Ron, lazy yet quirky Meat, and shower-obsessed Kaitlyn. When the four friends decide to go to Meat’s cabin in the woods, owned by his wealthy and self-absorbed parents, to study for the SATs and have a jam session, the night begins to take several unexpected and downright ridiculous turns. Between an insane and diabolical history teacher, demon-worshipping golfers, demonic daggers, demonic possession, a secret commando group, and a thunder and rain storm that defies nature, the four must fight for their lives as well as the fate of the world.

Overall, the novel is quite enjoyable, and reminds me of Jeff Strand’s humor, although better organized, more enjoyable, and less unbelievable (despite the ridiculous plot events mentioned above). While I was initially unenthused with the novel, after the first chapter I became entranced in the story and the characters themselves. The characters’ sarcastic and almost slapstick humor is refreshing, especially since their reactions, although usually meant for comedic effect, are very similar to the reactions that I have seen many of my high school students have.

Much of the humor stems from ridiculous circumstances that border on the absurd, yet are still believable. While first learning about the danger that they are in, Ron and Bing are informed, “Insane cultists, Satan worshippers and evil wizards are like elderly nuns compared to the Golfers’ Association” (Hardison). In its absurdity, this detail is both imaginative and entertaining, while at the same time building the suspense for the rest of the story. In addition, the selective membership and close community feel of a golfers’ association does loosely mimic those of a secret and sadistic organization enough to make the use of the Golfers’ Association just plausible enough to work. This type of humor pervades the novel without overdoing it, which is refreshing.

Not only does Hardison effectively incorporate humor, but he also uses allusions to favorites such as The Lord of the Rings and some foreshadowing. References to characters as mimicking characters such as Sméagol, and the ensuing internal debate about whether Sméagol or Gollum is the more accurate analogy is entertaining. In addition, I appreciated the foreshadowing about the use of Ron’s favorite interjection, “Jesus Christ!” It helped to set up the further complications and conflicts while the four are in the Golfers’ Association’s clubhouse.

However, I wish that the effects of using that phrase were more detailed. While the effects are hinted at in the tunnels, its further use with the commandos lacks similar results, leading to confusion about its exact power. I would recommend adding at least a small detail explaining just what the use of this phrase does.

Other questions I had while reading concerned the Santa costume, the mind-reading, and Kaitlyn’s reaction to being naked on the altar. Personally, the Santa costume is a little much, and seems to only serve the purpose of humor while other ridiculous details perform double duty of humor and furthering the plot. This detail does not seem to affect the plot or characters at all, and therefore seems forced. The mind-reading, on the other hand, does effectively further the plot and is necessary for several of the plot’s complications and solutions; however, it is not clear how all of the characters who are able to use it have that ability since only one of them touched the dagger. How are they all suddenly given this ability? It does not make sense. Likewise, Kaitlyn’s surprise at finding herself naked is unbelievable. If she were only pretending to be unconscious, as she asserts herself, how does she not feel them take off her clothes and bind her upside down? Does she pass out and not realize? Is she really that oblivious to everything around her? It’s confusing and implausible.

In addition to these plot discrepancies, there are a few grammatical errors. The first appears at the beginning of “Chapter One: You will Be Tested,” and reads “’Brace yourselves,’ William Jeffrey Brom said with smug relish tainting his crisp English accent.” There should be a comma after relish. Another concern is in the same chapter: the phrase “violent movement” or “violent motion” (as it also appears) is awkward and repetitive since they appear so near each other and actually do not give as much imagery as is seemingly intended. What kind of violent movement should the reader imagine: popping, bursting, skidding, punching, abruptly halting, abruptly running, spasming limbs, slashing, lurching? Another grammatical error appears in “Chapter Two: Spit-Flecked Brommy,” and reads, “Mr. man with the plan.” Since this is a name given to another character, it should follow standard capitalization rules for titles and names: Mr. Man with the Plan or Mr. Man With The Plan. The last grammar error is in “Chapter Eleven: A Secret Back Door Into the Brain,” and reads, “’Your bet?’ Meat asked incredulously.” It should read “you,” not “your.”

In addition to the grammar errors, there are several phrases and words that, while grammatically correct, are awkward to read. One such annoyance is the “scientist-guy” who constantly finishes his sentences with “okay or whatever.” While I often find people who constantly end their sentences with “okay,” “y’see,” or, my personal and sentimental favorite, “mkay,” I am befuddled as to how to read the constant “okay or whatever.” The connotation of the word “whatever” does not fit his constant worried yet authoritative tone and makes visualizing the character and imagining his dialogue difficult. It is more disruptive than entertainingly quirky. Another distraction to the reader is the use of bold typeface for emphasis. Bold signifies something the reader should see as important, but when it is used in dialogue it does not make sense because the reader needs to hear the emphasis, which italics communicates. Using both italics and bold for emphasis is inconsistent and unclear. While I understand that the bold may have been used since the thoughts of the characters are in italics and Hardison wants to emphasize words and phrases already italicized. But simply using regular type on those words in the midst of the italics is fairly universal for telling the reader he or she should use the same emphasis as an italicized word amidst regular type warrants. In other words, keep it simple.

Other than these questions and grammar concerns, the novel is enjoyable. Hardison clearly understands the tastes and concerns of young adults and incorporates them into an altogether imaginative and unique plot filled with lovable and realistic characters. As a result, I rate this novel a 4 out of 4. I would definitely recommend this novel to my high school students; I think it would appeal to both those who love realistic fiction, because the characters and their initial concerns are more similar to what my students face, and to those who enjoy fantasy and magic novels since they would enjoy the occult references and use of demon magic. The humor is also a common thread that makes this novel likeable to most of the teenagers that I teach. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story.

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Demon Freaks
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[[Valerie Allen]]

Wow! I'm impressed with this in depth book review Demon Freaks. The problem, however, I do not like satanic books and films (supernatural thrillers), etc.