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Demonsouled #1
Demonsouled
For fans of Robert E. Howard, David Gemmell, and Raymond E. Feist, here is a new story of sword and sorcery.
Banished for fifteen years, the wandering knight Mazael Cravenlock returns home at last to the Grim Marches, only to find war and chaos. His brother plans a foolish and doomed rebellion. His sister hopes to wed a brutal and cruel knight. The whispers speak of living corpses that stalk the night, of demons that lurk in darkness, and a sinister snake-cult that waits in the shadows.
Yet Mazael's darkest enemy waits elsewhere.
Within his own tainted soul...
First published in 2005 from Gale/Five Star, now updated and revised in a new electronic edition.
Banished for fifteen years, the wandering knight Mazael Cravenlock returns home at last to the Grim Marches, only to find war and chaos. His brother plans a foolish and doomed rebellion. His sister hopes to wed a brutal and cruel knight. The whispers speak of living corpses that stalk the night, of demons that lurk in darkness, and a sinister snake-cult that waits in the shadows.
Yet Mazael's darkest enemy waits elsewhere.
Within his own tainted soul...
First published in 2005 from Gale/Five Star, now updated and revised in a new electronic edition.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2005
About the author
Jonathan Moeller
364 books647 followersStanding over six feet tall, USA Today bestselling author Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair of a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
December 13, 2011
This is the first novel-length work that I've read on the Kindle. It's being offered on Amazon gratis as an entry-point to the trilogy. I warmed to the comparisons that other readers made to Howard's "Conan" stories, and I figured, what the hell: instead of combing through reviews and picking through the crop of fantastic offerings out there, why not just pick up some random fantasy book and see what's there?
This book is ok. Minus about 100+ pages of talking heads and grade-school political machinations, this could have been a lean, serviceable fantasy with the undead (always a potential plus); a brutal sword-bearing warrior-class dude; and some magic and demons thrown in for good measure. As is, reading this took some staying power and a few instances of screen-skimming. There's a lot of thinking aloud and a lot of name-dropping to go with it, and many times I wanted to reach into the story and shake the characters and yell, "Dude, just do something already."
One thing I learned: I can lose myself in the Kindle screen like I do in the pages of a book; after awhile, I don't notice the "page" turns, or even the Kindle itself. That speaks well for the design.
Will I pick up books 2 and 3? Nope. I've still got a bug for swords and mayhem, though, so: on to another land of make-believe! Maybe they'll talk less there.
This book is ok. Minus about 100+ pages of talking heads and grade-school political machinations, this could have been a lean, serviceable fantasy with the undead (always a potential plus); a brutal sword-bearing warrior-class dude; and some magic and demons thrown in for good measure. As is, reading this took some staying power and a few instances of screen-skimming. There's a lot of thinking aloud and a lot of name-dropping to go with it, and many times I wanted to reach into the story and shake the characters and yell, "Dude, just do something already."
One thing I learned: I can lose myself in the Kindle screen like I do in the pages of a book; after awhile, I don't notice the "page" turns, or even the Kindle itself. That speaks well for the design.
Will I pick up books 2 and 3? Nope. I've still got a bug for swords and mayhem, though, so: on to another land of make-believe! Maybe they'll talk less there.
January 7, 2014
-Espada y brujería pero con mucho de intriga política.-
Género. Narrativa Fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. Mazael Cravenlock vuelve a los territorios que una vez fueron su hogar tras quince años de ausencia para contemplar que las disputas y feudos entre señores siguen presentes. A tres días del castillo de su familia, y junto a sus dos acompañantes, hace noche en una posada y averiguará más cosas sobre la situación actual en estas tierras. Cuando llega la mañana, se encontrará con su primer familiar de una forma imprevista. Versión revisada de la novela, reeditada en 2013 y primer volumen de la serie Demonsouled.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Narrativa Fantástica.
Lo que nos cuenta. Mazael Cravenlock vuelve a los territorios que una vez fueron su hogar tras quince años de ausencia para contemplar que las disputas y feudos entre señores siguen presentes. A tres días del castillo de su familia, y junto a sus dos acompañantes, hace noche en una posada y averiguará más cosas sobre la situación actual en estas tierras. Cuando llega la mañana, se encontrará con su primer familiar de una forma imprevista. Versión revisada de la novela, reeditada en 2013 y primer volumen de la serie Demonsouled.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
September 21, 2015
I rather enjoyed reading this, though I found I became less interested as the plot played out. A strong start with an acidic protagonist at the helm soon became cliched and almost whiny while he was supposed to be falling into evil. His calculation became passion, even in his interactions with friends, and cheesed up everything. I found myself rolling my eyes at his quick burning instinct to murder everything rather than actually caring for how he got there.
Watching someone's soul unravel would have been much more impactful if his choices were less based on his rage and more on the calculating part of his mind we were introduced to. A good man who looked for ways to end a life within moments of encountering it out of habit. Rage isn't power. Rage is losing control. Rage put him on par with his weak brother and petered out the edge the book had.
The plot was very, very predictable and we are faced absolutely no suspense but it was still quite fun to read for some reason.
I'll read the next, I think. The strong start has me seeing potential.
Watching someone's soul unravel would have been much more impactful if his choices were less based on his rage and more on the calculating part of his mind we were introduced to. A good man who looked for ways to end a life within moments of encountering it out of habit. Rage isn't power. Rage is losing control. Rage put him on par with his weak brother and petered out the edge the book had.
The plot was very, very predictable and we are faced absolutely no suspense but it was still quite fun to read for some reason.
I'll read the next, I think. The strong start has me seeing potential.
March 21, 2022
I had read this back 15 years ago when it first came out I believe then there were maybe only about 3 or 6 books. I decided to re-read from the very start sine one it had been so long and two he added books to the story line. I was glad to see that I remembered very little of the series after so many years and it was like starting a new series.
Great story with lots of very interesting characters. Maezel the main character turned out to be 1/2 demon and 1/2 human and it tormenting him most of his life. He wasn't evil himself and fought against the demon part of himself A 1/2 elven/human befriended him and help him keep the dreams that tried to destroy him at bay. Unfortunately Romania died in the final battle with the demon that claimed to be his father. But Maezel was able to vanquish the demon once and for all becoming the Lord of Castle Cravenrock.
Great story with lots of very interesting characters. Maezel the main character turned out to be 1/2 demon and 1/2 human and it tormenting him most of his life. He wasn't evil himself and fought against the demon part of himself A 1/2 elven/human befriended him and help him keep the dreams that tried to destroy him at bay. Unfortunately Romania died in the final battle with the demon that claimed to be his father. But Maezel was able to vanquish the demon once and for all becoming the Lord of Castle Cravenrock.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2013
This book is listed as part of a trilogy but as far as I can see on Amazon, there are now 5 books listed as part of the "Demonsouled" series. The author has been compared to Raymond E Feist, David Gemmel etc - as for me, I can see similarities but I don't know if I would compare them.
The plot and storyline take you right into the action from page 1 and is fairly well paced throughout. However, the main character didn't really do it for me. Although he showed emotion and depth of character, there was something lacking for me. He also managed to annoy me everytime that he thought that he could kill this person in so many ways.
The storyline is interesting, with myth, magic, zuwembies (zombies), snake cult, parent pressure. This is a very good fantasy novel.
The plot and storyline take you right into the action from page 1 and is fairly well paced throughout. However, the main character didn't really do it for me. Although he showed emotion and depth of character, there was something lacking for me. He also managed to annoy me everytime that he thought that he could kill this person in so many ways.
The storyline is interesting, with myth, magic, zuwembies (zombies), snake cult, parent pressure. This is a very good fantasy novel.
October 3, 2012
Potential. That's what the book had.
I really enjoyed how the main character thought up ways of killing people as he first met them. Somewhere along, he apparently stops having these thoughts... That was the most refreshing thing about the book.
Character is apparently a dark individual with a troubled mind? Somewhere down the line, he completely changes and becomes a boring cardboard cutout. What changed?
This series could have been steered the right way but instead becomes a cliche story with pointless dialogue.
If you've run out of reading material, then give this a chance. It got 3 stars from me simply because I really, really liked the beginning.
POTENTIAL!
I really enjoyed how the main character thought up ways of killing people as he first met them. Somewhere along, he apparently stops having these thoughts... That was the most refreshing thing about the book.
Character is apparently a dark individual with a troubled mind? Somewhere down the line, he completely changes and becomes a boring cardboard cutout. What changed?
This series could have been steered the right way but instead becomes a cliche story with pointless dialogue.
If you've run out of reading material, then give this a chance. It got 3 stars from me simply because I really, really liked the beginning.
POTENTIAL!
December 7, 2017
There's a "Luke, I am your father," moment. Also, "Everyone dies," which was used pretty often in the Frostborn series.
All I can say is I am a fan of Jonathan Moeller's writings and am now reading the Demonsouled series since I have to wait a while for the next Sevenfold Sword to be published. I haven't decided if I like Mazael as much as Ridmark but overall this was an enjoyable read. Prior to this book I read about Mazael and Lucan in the collected short stories published as The Sworn Knight. I don't know that I would recommend doing this as there are plot twists revealed ahead of their occurrence in the Demonsouled series.
All I can say is I am a fan of Jonathan Moeller's writings and am now reading the Demonsouled series since I have to wait a while for the next Sevenfold Sword to be published. I haven't decided if I like Mazael as much as Ridmark but overall this was an enjoyable read. Prior to this book I read about Mazael and Lucan in the collected short stories published as The Sworn Knight. I don't know that I would recommend doing this as there are plot twists revealed ahead of their occurrence in the Demonsouled series.
December 3, 2017
With a better editor it would be a solid 4 or even 4.5
The characters, plot and even setting are captivating, but grammar errors, continuity errors (clothing and physical descriptions occasionally change mid scene), and misused words abound.
It is unfortunately common in his books, and the story craft is enough for me to buy the next in this series, and continue with the Frostborn series, but if bad editing bothers you prepared, to be frustrated.
The characters, plot and even setting are captivating, but grammar errors, continuity errors (clothing and physical descriptions occasionally change mid scene), and misused words abound.
It is unfortunately common in his books, and the story craft is enough for me to buy the next in this series, and continue with the Frostborn series, but if bad editing bothers you prepared, to be frustrated.
March 9, 2012
For a free eBook on my Kindle, this book wasn't too bad. It felt a little draggy at times and there were multiple instances where I really wanted to shake some sense into the main character. I did enjoy most of the secondary characters, until my favorite character in the whole book got killed. However, I don't think I'll be continuing this series.
April 24, 2018
This is the first book in a series that has everything to be a great reading. A knight that returns home to find everything upside down, a land on the verge of ravaging war, dark forces that hide themselves in the shadows, all the good ingredients for a nice plot, although killing one of the so-called prime characters in the first book, might not be a so good thing to do.
I have enjoyed it very much and I cannot wait for the reading the next books and see how the plot will develop.
I have enjoyed it very much and I cannot wait for the reading the next books and see how the plot will develop.
May 22, 2018
Demonsouled Review
Dear Jonathan, I have started reading this series and enjoyed it very much. Your imagination and creativity is astonishing. Each series is totally different but the entertainment and creativity is in full display with good versus evil. Your characters are outstanding and exciting. I highly recommend reading this book and series to anyone interested in reading a great story. Thanks for the entertainment.
Dear Jonathan, I have started reading this series and enjoyed it very much. Your imagination and creativity is astonishing. Each series is totally different but the entertainment and creativity is in full display with good versus evil. Your characters are outstanding and exciting. I highly recommend reading this book and series to anyone interested in reading a great story. Thanks for the entertainment.
July 7, 2021
Mazael has not been home in 15 years. He was exiled by his father and has not returned until now. His elder brother now rules the keep after his father's death and it is about to come under attack.
He still wouldn't have returned was it not for rescuing his sister from a group of men from the attacker.
All is not well at home.
A good sword and sorcery novel. I would not rank it with the Conan tales but I still enjoyed it
He still wouldn't have returned was it not for rescuing his sister from a group of men from the attacker.
All is not well at home.
A good sword and sorcery novel. I would not rank it with the Conan tales but I still enjoyed it
October 9, 2023
Mazel Cravenlock returns home to find his family is not what he thought. His brother is a fat slug who believes he has been wronged & should be Lord of the Marshes. His sister is betrothed to his brother's slimy armsmaster. Zombie like creatures roam the night, armsmen steal, torture & kill villagers on a whim. The further he looks the worse it gets.
A good fantasy. Well considered world. Well rounded characters. Standard story.
A good fantasy. Well considered world. Well rounded characters. Standard story.
October 8, 2017
This novel was a conflicting read for me. On the one hand, it has an intriguing fantasy story. On the other hand, it has so many grammatical errors that it makes for a difficult read at times. Truthfully, if it weren’t for the grammar mistakes, I would give this a four star rating.
November 21, 2017
Immersive and well written , one complaint I have however is that scope of the book as in it does not really picture a immersive fantasy world as the setting is very localised. Well worth a read though.
February 4, 2019
Another gem found thanks to Goodreads.
A solid D&D style story with just enough backstory to stir your imagination and plenty of action. The villains are deeply evil and the heroes flawed enough to be interesting. This was a very good first effort for any writer and has me ready for more.
A solid D&D style story with just enough backstory to stir your imagination and plenty of action. The villains are deeply evil and the heroes flawed enough to be interesting. This was a very good first effort for any writer and has me ready for more.
February 12, 2019
A great book
It was the first book I read of Jonathan’s, years later I have never look back. Masterful storyteller with great characters with Knights of Honour but also a story of intrigue and deceit.
It was the first book I read of Jonathan’s, years later I have never look back. Masterful storyteller with great characters with Knights of Honour but also a story of intrigue and deceit.
February 23, 2020
A great book to read.
The book has many twists and turns as you read , you are kept wondering what will happen next. The author did a great job with the book , the end was not what I had expected but well done.
The book has many twists and turns as you read , you are kept wondering what will happen next. The author did a great job with the book , the end was not what I had expected but well done.
May 30, 2020
Keeps you reading
One runs out of original comments for Jonathan's books after a while.
A style of writing that appeals to me I guess.
The only niggle is that he needs another proof reader.
One runs out of original comments for Jonathan's books after a while.
A style of writing that appeals to me I guess.
The only niggle is that he needs another proof reader.
August 15, 2024
I thought that this was a good read. I thought the pace was good, and the story engaging with a fantasy world done well. Draws on various different mythologies. I was also delighted that though part of a series it worked very well as a stand-alone story.
September 10, 2017
Good fantasy
Quite a good fantasy book I enjoyed the book and the authors use of characters in it. He did a very good job in developing their own plots and stories.
Quite a good fantasy book I enjoyed the book and the authors use of characters in it. He did a very good job in developing their own plots and stories.
November 19, 2017
A fine read, full of swords, sorcery and wild maidens. Very good 4/5 :)
February 19, 2019
Book 1
Book 1 had errors throughout and a lot of characters and dialogue. The overall plot was interesting, but was so slow I had a hard time finishing it.
Book 1 had errors throughout and a lot of characters and dialogue. The overall plot was interesting, but was so slow I had a hard time finishing it.
May 8, 2019
From a great author his best book yet. This book is fast paced, full of action,with a really great plot,& really interesting characters .he has become my current favorite author
Read
September 10, 2019Gripping story
A cast of characters that are well balanced, a family reunion that isn't going well,walking corpse that plague the lands,I'm hooked
A cast of characters that are well balanced, a family reunion that isn't going well,walking corpse that plague the lands,I'm hooked
May 1, 2020
Totally loved it
Loved your book, dislike that Romaria died but otherwise can't complain and the book ended while while still keeping me wanting to read more.
Loved your book, dislike that Romaria died but otherwise can't complain and the book ended while while still keeping me wanting to read more.
April 1, 2022
so good
Wonderful book can’t wait to start the next in your series action filled suspense just great how the others are just as good
Wonderful book can’t wait to start the next in your series action filled suspense just great how the others are just as good
December 3, 2022
Son of a demon
Good paced adventures, plot well written. Some romance. The sword fights well described. Magic present but not in excess. The landscape easy to imagine.
Good paced adventures, plot well written. Some romance. The sword fights well described. Magic present but not in excess. The landscape easy to imagine.
December 10, 2023
Very enjoyable
February 12, 2023
1.5 Another hit and miss for me.
Well, I've not had a good start of the year. It's the 2nd book in a row than ends up being a disappointment. I'm not sure what I expected, to be honest, but I really wanted to try something else and to find a book that I enjoy.
Nope.
Boring book, the characters were annoying, the writing style didn't keep me engaged.
Oh well, it was worth a try. Maybe you'll like it more.
Well, I've not had a good start of the year. It's the 2nd book in a row than ends up being a disappointment. I'm not sure what I expected, to be honest, but I really wanted to try something else and to find a book that I enjoy.
Nope.
Boring book, the characters were annoying, the writing style didn't keep me engaged.
Oh well, it was worth a try. Maybe you'll like it more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews