 I’m not giving anything away when I tell you that early in this novel we are introduced to a sociopathic serial killer with a disturbing penchant for slicing up women. However, as readers will soon discover this depraved lunatic is something of a beginner when it comes to evil, blood and gore. Things turn darker as people long thought dead begin to recover former powers. An unwitting couple discover the home they are restoring is not so much famous for its architecture, as infamous for its history. Both they, and it, are about to become a focal point for the eponymous demons. But before I get into my review of Alan L. Perkin’s debut novel any further, I’m going to need to explain what I normally want from a book, because it has a significant bearing on what follows. My day job often involves extensive research, which I then compile as a comprehensive report. It’s detail orientated. Fiction is my relaxation, so I don’t want to have to work at it too hard. I want to be whisked away from this mundane existence, and dumped knee-deep in fear. Or an author can sneak up quietly and frighten the shit out of me if they prefer. My favorites are stories that are well written (duh), but not especially taxing. I’m quite happy to admit I’m a lazy reader. Beware the Demons Betrayed is not a book for lazy readers — but that doesn’t make it a bad story. In fact although it’s his debut, you would never guess it from the author’s skill with words. Mostly it’s very well written. Occasionally it’s flat out superb. Alan can capture character and scene like a seasoned pro. When he puts you in a dark cellar or cave you are soaked in the atmosphere. You can feel the lurking dangers. It’s a complex tale to begin with. Initially there’s quite a sizable cast, and numerous locations. Inside the first half dozen pages we’ve been to several different places, and met a host of characters. Jumping from one to the other and back was all a bit too rapid and confusing for me. I wasn’t always sure who was doing what or where. I know other readers thoroughly enjoyed that multi-threaded approach, and you could argue that the author is setting the scene. True enough, and done in great detail. Something of an ongoing theme. While I was frequently impressed with Alan’s command of language, at times I found it a little too verbose. In some passages things were explained to the nth degree — more than I needed to know to get a feel for what was going on. I found myself skimming paragraphs from time to time. Balance is always difficult, but I think the prose would benefit from being more concise. Judging by glowing reviews in other places, those with more patience disagree! It does all come together in the end, and I found the final third of the book more enjoyable than what preceded it.  All of which makes it sound like I didn’t much like the story, and the truth is I did struggle. In fact I’m struggling to write this review because of my mixed emotions. At times it was brilliant. At times frustrating. The cast are really well drawn, even the bit-part actors. They are clearly defined and don’t suddenly go off and do things completely out of character just to fit a storyline. Alan can definitely write. No doubt about it. Individual scenes have the impact of a sledgehammer, or the delicacy of a filleting knife. But… The book is self-published. I have no problem with that in essence, but I do think that a professional editor could take this highly competent writing and make it a better finished novel. Parts of Beware The Demons Betrayed are as well written as anything you’ll read anywhere, by anyone. I so wanted for it to be great, but for me it never comes together as it should. I wish I’d been able to enjoy it more, but great writing on its own doesn’t make a great story. Review by Robert Fael   the heart and soul of horror review websitesComments are closed.
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