Review by SammiArch -- Demon Freaks

[SammiArch]

[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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Like the average high school student, twin brothers, Ron and Bing, are nervously unprepared for the upcoming SAT test. The night before the exam, they recruit their bands' drummer (nicknamed Meat for his lazy demeanor and paired squishy body) to let them utilize his parents' uninhabited cabin. Some quiet, much-needed study time, a very loud music session, and a ton of munchies was exactly what the teenagers had planned for their evening. No band is truly complete without a keyboardist, so the boys invite Kaitlyn, the fourth and final member, over to come study, jam out, and grub.

In the rainy darkness surrounding the cabin, the unsuspecting teenagers are startled by an attacker. Scrambling to disarm their clearly disoriented (and strangely dressed in black robes) history teacher, the teenagers finally subdue the crazed man. However, within a few moments, they become swarmed by parlous, cloaked figures who clearly intend to administer a tirade of chaos, pain, and disaster. The four of them manage to once again evade danger, but unfortunately, when there are supernatural entities involved, mere mortals are incapable of resisting such powerfully sinister advances.

Overcome with uncontrollable telepathic urges, Meat finds himself the target of possession. He is driven to the villains' lair, who are composed of (contributing to the books' humorous undertone) elderly golf players and their ridiculously dressed caddies. Following closely behind, his friends dare to chase after, in an attempt to assist. Once they arrive at the golf course, while searching for Meat, Kaitlyn is quickly separated from the twins and captured by the club-wielding cultist. What starts as a regular night with normal kids quickly turns into a deadly race for the twin brothers to hopefully save their friends, and themselves.

Demon Freaks is a young adult (the book does contain some mature language, violence, and sexuality so it is not appropriate for children) science fiction novel riddled with humor, suspense, mystery, action, drama, and many unexpected surprises. J.R.R.R. (jim) Hardison takes you on an interesting and intense journey exploring telekinesis, cults, monsters and the adventures of some ill-fated, mischievous teenagers. The use of selective word choices without tedious, unnecessary details paints vivid pictures for the reader to envision. The audience stays thoroughly submerged in the action and suspense throughout the entire novel. The dry and slightly crude humor is strategically placed and crucial. Puns, jokes, (arguing about the best Brady Bunch kid while trapped in a dungeon) even the boys' last name, Slaughter, are all brilliant and fundamental interjections of comedy.

Authors sometimes get absorbed with the creation of their science fiction, leaving the reader struggling to follow the narrative. There is so much unfamiliar substance and overly stimulating content the mind cannot retain enough information to invest in the characters or storyline. Hardison, however, was able to make real-life references and avoid any mistakes in the plot stabilizing the believability (which is needed in this genre). This cleverly convinced the reader that the narrative was plausible despite the tremendous amounts of supernatural phenomenon.

The unforeseen developments scattered throughout the novel merits a stand-alone recognition. Hardison persistently delivers the “shock value”. The completely unexpected bombshells leave the reader stupefied, impressed and captivated.

While science fiction is my personally favored genre, I usually avoid the paranormal subcategory. Finding them implausible, predictable, and verbose yet ironically inarticulate, I was reluctant to select this read. The briefly noted humor in the short description finally convinced me that there was potential and I was not disappointed. Between the out loud bouts of laughter, jaw-dropping gasps of astonishment, inability to find a single complaint throughout the entire novel, and the genuine dissatisfaction at the conclusion of the book (only because it was over!), Demon Freaks undoubtedly deserves a 4 out of 4 star rating.

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Demon Freaks
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Like SammiArch's review? Post a comment saying so!

[blennon]

I am a huge horror / scifi fan. However, thanks to your review... I will be sure to suggest this one to my teenage daughter. I think this will fit into high school reading audience well. With enough graphics to be borderline rated R.

[SammiArch]

It is definitely more for the mature teenager because it does push the envelope with adult material in regards to what's appropriate for someone under 18. However its not overly crude and is easy to follow so a mature teen who likes sci-fi would really enjoy it!

[Dolor]

I specifically like these statements in your review: "The unforeseen developments scattered throughout the novel merits a stand-alone recognition. Hardison persistently delivers the “shock value”. The completely unexpected bombshells leave the reader stupefied, impressed and captivated."

Thanks for the well-written review.

[SammiArch]

Thank you for the compliment. I am glad you enjoyed the review