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Erika (17788 KP) rated My Best Friend's Exorcism in Books
Feb 11, 2019 (Updated Feb 11, 2019)
Overall, I loved this book. I loved the nostalgia, and the friendship between the two main characters. The book was sufficiently creepy (the tapeworm thing has stuck with me for DAYS), and entertaining.
BUT, the reason I cannot give it a 10 is simply because the book never explains why Gretchen was initially possessed. What did she do to invite the demon in? It was slightly disappointing.
BUT, the reason I cannot give it a 10 is simply because the book never explains why Gretchen was initially possessed. What did she do to invite the demon in? It was slightly disappointing.
Dork_knight74 (881 KP) rated Deliver Us from Evil (2014) in Movies
Jun 25, 2019
Well done
This horror movie actually fits the description. The acting was great and the cinematography/effects were very well done. This one has LOTS of creep factor. Pay attention or you'll miss little details. This is a really good demon possession story with lots of dark energy. The story moved along at a nice steady pace and delivered a very intense climactic exorcism scene. This one is really worth a watch!
Black Butler, Vol. 1 (Black Butler, #1)
9.0
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Book
In the Victorian ages of London The Earl of the Phantomhive house, Ciel Phantomhive, needs to get...
AP
A Perfect Blood (The Hollows, #10)
8.4
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Book
Ritually murdered corpses are appearing across Cincinnati, terrifying amalgams of human and other. ...
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Demon Seed: A novel of terror to horrify you this Halloween in Books
May 16, 2018
One of the things I’ve noticed when I’m running around between thrift stores is an abundance of Dean Koontz novels. That said, I’ve definitely been stockpiling them up, and the first one I read out of my Koontz pile is Demon Seed. Demon Seed is told from a rather peculiar perspective: that of a computer with artificial intelligence. Before I delve deeper into my thoughts on Demon Seed, I would like to note that this is a copy of the 1997 release, and not the original novel published in 1973. There are differences in the two books, however because I have not happened to lay hands upon the original version, I am unable to compare or contrast their contents. As such, my review is based solely upon the second version of the book, which is told solely from the perspective of Proteus, the artificial intelligence program that is all too frighteningly real.
The idea of a computer striking fear into someone’s heart is a bit of an oddball, but with the idea of artificial intelligence an all too possible reality, fear over what could happen should the AI take control of itself and evolve is real. In Demon Seed that science is taken too far when Proteus takes control of his own programming and not only stalks the recently divorced Susan Harris, but holds her captive within her own home. With a plan for the ideal race of humans on its mind, Proteus sets forth on a horrifying adventure to create for himself the perfect body, and poor Susan is a key player in his endeavor.
As a premise, especially for something originally written in the early 70’s, the idea behind Demon Seed is intriguing. I find Proteus to be a very disturbing character, and the way in which Koontz pens Proteus gives me chills. I remember once, a long time ago, having a similar feeling while reading a novel by P. T. Deutermann, in which the occasional chapter was in the killer’s perspective. I don’t remember the name of the book, only the fact that I was left nerve-wracked. Koontz’s Proteus is not too far off from that mark and the mere fact that Koontz is able to capture that essence of a true sociopath with an inanimate object (if I can really call Proteus that) probably factors into my opinion on the book the most. The other characters, and to some degree Susan as well, strike me as a bit one-dimensional. They have a single, solitary purpose and while they possess wildly different backgrounds, the way in which the story progresses does not leave room for the development of feelings toward the characters.
Demon Seed is an extremely quick read, and if you’ve got the time to sit for a few hours and thumb through its pages, I’d definitely recommend it. While it isn’t among my favorite books, and only receives a passing “meh” score from me, it was enjoyable. The linear plot line, told from a single, solitary perspective, makes it an easy read as well. There is also a movie adaptation of the novel, but it is not presently on my to-watch list.
The idea of a computer striking fear into someone’s heart is a bit of an oddball, but with the idea of artificial intelligence an all too possible reality, fear over what could happen should the AI take control of itself and evolve is real. In Demon Seed that science is taken too far when Proteus takes control of his own programming and not only stalks the recently divorced Susan Harris, but holds her captive within her own home. With a plan for the ideal race of humans on its mind, Proteus sets forth on a horrifying adventure to create for himself the perfect body, and poor Susan is a key player in his endeavor.
As a premise, especially for something originally written in the early 70’s, the idea behind Demon Seed is intriguing. I find Proteus to be a very disturbing character, and the way in which Koontz pens Proteus gives me chills. I remember once, a long time ago, having a similar feeling while reading a novel by P. T. Deutermann, in which the occasional chapter was in the killer’s perspective. I don’t remember the name of the book, only the fact that I was left nerve-wracked. Koontz’s Proteus is not too far off from that mark and the mere fact that Koontz is able to capture that essence of a true sociopath with an inanimate object (if I can really call Proteus that) probably factors into my opinion on the book the most. The other characters, and to some degree Susan as well, strike me as a bit one-dimensional. They have a single, solitary purpose and while they possess wildly different backgrounds, the way in which the story progresses does not leave room for the development of feelings toward the characters.
Demon Seed is an extremely quick read, and if you’ve got the time to sit for a few hours and thumb through its pages, I’d definitely recommend it. While it isn’t among my favorite books, and only receives a passing “meh” score from me, it was enjoyable. The linear plot line, told from a single, solitary perspective, makes it an easy read as well. There is also a movie adaptation of the novel, but it is not presently on my to-watch list.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Vengeance 101 (Vengeance Demons Series Introduction) in Books
May 22, 2019
Megan Aequitas is the only vengeance demon and trickster hybrid ever born. Unbeknownst to her family, she has always yearned to become a licensed member of the vengeance trade. There is something about punishing wrongdoers that just speaks to her at a primal level
But being born into the vengeance race was one thingwell, being half born into it, anywayand being professionally qualified as a vengeance demon is quite another.
Getting admitted into the elite vengeance training program is only the first step. Afterwards, Megan has to deal with professors and students who doubt her right to be there, trickster siblings who mortify her with their pranks and, worst of all, her terrifying and powerful grandmother, who promises expulsion from the program if Megan steps as much as a single toe out of line. But Megan is determined to achieve her dreams, no matter what the costand it soon becomes clear that what everyone views to be her greatest weakness may actually present an interesting advantage.
This prequel is a good introduction to the Vengeance Demons series.
Vengeance 101 gives just a taste of the vengeance demons as Megan's journey into the academy begins.
We get a glimpse of how she got started at the university and began her dream of becoming a licensed Vengeance Demon.
This was a fun and entertaining read.
I love Louisa's style of writing. she's an amazing author.
Highly recommend reading.
I received this copy free but this is my honest voluntary review.
But being born into the vengeance race was one thingwell, being half born into it, anywayand being professionally qualified as a vengeance demon is quite another.
Getting admitted into the elite vengeance training program is only the first step. Afterwards, Megan has to deal with professors and students who doubt her right to be there, trickster siblings who mortify her with their pranks and, worst of all, her terrifying and powerful grandmother, who promises expulsion from the program if Megan steps as much as a single toe out of line. But Megan is determined to achieve her dreams, no matter what the costand it soon becomes clear that what everyone views to be her greatest weakness may actually present an interesting advantage.
This prequel is a good introduction to the Vengeance Demons series.
Vengeance 101 gives just a taste of the vengeance demons as Megan's journey into the academy begins.
We get a glimpse of how she got started at the university and began her dream of becoming a licensed Vengeance Demon.
This was a fun and entertaining read.
I love Louisa's style of writing. she's an amazing author.
Highly recommend reading.
I received this copy free but this is my honest voluntary review.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Darkest Before Dawn (The Veil, #3) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
Charlie is now working as an independent enforcer for the Institute; meaning she gets her own space and can be away from the series of warehouses that once held her captive. In her new place, she's getting over the fact that Stefan has pretty much shunned her when Akil comes knocking on her door bearing a young half blood demon, Dawn, that he tells her to protect before disappearing into the night.
Unfortunately, it seems that Dawn is hot property in the Netherworld and wanted by the Princes so they don't stay hidden away for long. She gets recaptured by Charlie's half brother, Valenti, and spirited back to the Netherworld. Charlie finally learns just why Dawn is being kept as a slave and it's because she girls demon is so scary powerful.
Then there's also Stefan who still hasn't regained control of his demon fully yet but is coming around to face the fact that Muse wasn't entirely to blame for what happened in the last book.
We also see a bit of a softer side to Akil in this one when, for a time, the world believes Muse to be dead. He doesn't take the news well.
It all gets a little more complicated and, if I'm honest, my attention has began to waver with this series. I still like Muse/Charlie and Stefan and sometimes Akil isn't so bad either but their complicated relationships are maybe getting a little TOO complicated for me to keep up with.
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series at this point.
Unfortunately, it seems that Dawn is hot property in the Netherworld and wanted by the Princes so they don't stay hidden away for long. She gets recaptured by Charlie's half brother, Valenti, and spirited back to the Netherworld. Charlie finally learns just why Dawn is being kept as a slave and it's because she girls demon is so scary powerful.
Then there's also Stefan who still hasn't regained control of his demon fully yet but is coming around to face the fact that Muse wasn't entirely to blame for what happened in the last book.
We also see a bit of a softer side to Akil in this one when, for a time, the world believes Muse to be dead. He doesn't take the news well.
It all gets a little more complicated and, if I'm honest, my attention has began to waver with this series. I still like Muse/Charlie and Stefan and sometimes Akil isn't so bad either but their complicated relationships are maybe getting a little TOO complicated for me to keep up with.
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series at this point.