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Southern Watch #1
Called
A demon hunter without a home. A cop without a cause. A seemingly unstoppable evil rising in a small town...
WARNING: Contains violence, coarse language and sexual situations.
Archibald "Arch" Stan was a local cop in Midian, Tennessee that was good at his job, good at being a husband, and exceptionally good at hiding his disappointment at not being able to figure out what was missing in his life that made it all seem so empty.
Lafayette Hendricks looked like a drifter, a broken-down hitchhiker blown through Midian on the prevailing winds. When Arch catches him in a fight on the town square, though, things start to get weird, fast, because the guy he's fighting doesn't die when he gets shot. And Hendricks is carrying a sword.
Pretty soon, Arch's whole life is turned upside down by Hendricks's revelation that there's a secret world operating under the one he's been living in his whole life - one filled with demons, chaos, and unspeakable evils, one of which is already in town, stirring trouble. And if the two men don't band together to keep watch on the darkness falling on Midian, then this small town might just get swallowed up by the forces of evil - with the rest of the world to follow shortly behind.
WARNING: Contains violence, coarse language and sexual situations.
Archibald "Arch" Stan was a local cop in Midian, Tennessee that was good at his job, good at being a husband, and exceptionally good at hiding his disappointment at not being able to figure out what was missing in his life that made it all seem so empty.
Lafayette Hendricks looked like a drifter, a broken-down hitchhiker blown through Midian on the prevailing winds. When Arch catches him in a fight on the town square, though, things start to get weird, fast, because the guy he's fighting doesn't die when he gets shot. And Hendricks is carrying a sword.
Pretty soon, Arch's whole life is turned upside down by Hendricks's revelation that there's a secret world operating under the one he's been living in his whole life - one filled with demons, chaos, and unspeakable evils, one of which is already in town, stirring trouble. And if the two men don't band together to keep watch on the darkness falling on Midian, then this small town might just get swallowed up by the forces of evil - with the rest of the world to follow shortly behind.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
2800 people are currently reading
1102 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Crane
171Ìýbooks1,154ÌýfollowersRobert J. Crane was born and raised on Florida's Space Coast before moving to the upper midwest in search of cooler climates and more palatable beer. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Creative Writing. He worked for a year as a substitute teacher and worked in the financial services field for seven years while writing in his spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
November 14, 2021
This is a 4.5 star dark, gritty, visceral read!
August 2, 2014
[Disclaimer: I am honestly sorry to do this to self published authors, but they deserve the same feedback I'd give anyone else.]
I may have gotten this for free, but if I didn't I would want to punch myself.
Not finishing things is a cardinal sin in my world so I powered through so you wouldn't have to.
Summary: demon hunter shows up in town, kills things, gets laid, gets saved by an angel, has a kick ass sword and cowboy hat and duster, feels old at 25 and talks like a 40 year old. Nothing is explained. World building is nil.
Police man is tapped to get into the demon hunting business. He is inexplicably amazing instantly, gets laid, seems to resent his wife a lot for reasons we aren't clear on. At least he doesn't have a duster or a cowboy hat.
Their women folk are interested in A) getting laid, B) getting conveniently knocked unconscious.
The silly demon satire was feeble. It's been done so much better and honestly the tone left me confused about what the author was intending to write. All the lampshade hanging on earth can't change the fact that this a parody that used every cliche and then just tried to add a "Isn't that funny?" line afterward. No, it's not funny until you make it funny. Sorry.
I may have gotten this for free, but if I didn't I would want to punch myself.
Not finishing things is a cardinal sin in my world so I powered through so you wouldn't have to.
Summary: demon hunter shows up in town, kills things, gets laid, gets saved by an angel, has a kick ass sword and cowboy hat and duster, feels old at 25 and talks like a 40 year old. Nothing is explained. World building is nil.
Police man is tapped to get into the demon hunting business. He is inexplicably amazing instantly, gets laid, seems to resent his wife a lot for reasons we aren't clear on. At least he doesn't have a duster or a cowboy hat.
Their women folk are interested in A) getting laid, B) getting conveniently knocked unconscious.
The silly demon satire was feeble. It's been done so much better and honestly the tone left me confused about what the author was intending to write. All the lampshade hanging on earth can't change the fact that this a parody that used every cliche and then just tried to add a "Isn't that funny?" line afterward. No, it's not funny until you make it funny. Sorry.
July 21, 2017
The end brought this to a 4 Stars for me.
March 2, 2014
I don’t know. There are parts of this book I really liked. And it is odd how I came across it. On the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Urban Fantasy discussion group Dennis brought up the topic, “Dresden Files without the fairy dustâ€� and I thought it was interesting, as did several others. We came up with several possibilities, Green, Del Franco, Henderson, Anderson, and others. Then, that same day, I came across an advertisement for a series by Robert J. Crane, an author I haven’t read before. "Called" is the first in the Southern Watch Series.
The beginning told me that this might be something that Dennis would find interesting. "A drifter, a broken-down hitchhiker blown through Midian (TN) on the prevailing winds. . . and Hendricks is carrying a sword." Of course, it excited me also, as I am a huge Dresden Files fan as well. I passed the info along, and then discovered that the story is part of the four book anthology, "Sinners & Sorcerers: Four Urban Fantasy Thrillers". I eagerly picked it up, as it has not only Crane, but also the amazing S.M. Reine, Daniel Arensen, Scott Nicholson, and the astounding J.R. Rain. And it is only 99 cents, so what a deal!
After reading "Called", I am, again, of two minds. The concept is good. Demon hunter Lafayette Jackson Hendricks strolls into town and immediately runs into his first demon. And things go downhill from there. Archibald “Arch� Stan, ex-football hero and now a deputy sheriff, lives a quiet, boring and ultimately unfulfilling, and yet goodhearted, life � until he runs across Hendricks slaughtering a demon on the town square. Arch’s life will never be the same. Things are different now, in more ways than having the blinders ripped off. For where once only a single flare might show up on the map around the world, there are currently fourteen flares, more than ever before, hot-spots which “pull in demons like the light on a bugzapper - but without the zapper. . .� which as often as not leave whole cities ghost towns, no bodies to be found. And where Hendricks would once have had multiple demon hunters to back him up, suddenly there is only him � well, and Arch.
This is all good. And yet, what drove me NUTS about the story is the pure stupidity that Hendricks shows. It is to be expected from Arch. He really doesn’t have any idea what is going on, if demons are real, or if Hendricks is just some whack-job running around with a sword and a 1911 revolver. I can’t give Hendricks the same grace. Knowing that things are bad, that demons are overrunning the tiny town, and things are really, really not right in the world, he still follows the head between his legs and not the one between his ears, more interested in getting drunk and getting into the pants of the police dispatcher than paying attention to business. And of course, said mindless horndoggedness (yes, I made up that word) nearly costs them everything . . . getting drunk and chasing tail doesn’t really make sense under the circumstances. Between that and unnecessary usage of trash language and sexual stupidity, I was disappointed. I am no prude about language, but I am much of Earnest Borgnine’s way of thinking “Writers used to make such wonderful pictures without all that swearing, all that cursing. And now it seems that you can't say three words without cursing. And I don't think that's right."
I suppose it could be that this is a more “male-centric� story, which these days seems to include much more violent, sexual, and foul speaking lifestyle and expectations than I find acceptable. Who knows? I am a true proponent of kindness over what is considered “moral�, and the power of intellect over violence and ignorance. Whichever one prefers, there are things to recommend in Called, and others to abjure. Crane makes a point that I find most appropriate, though I am by no means religious. Arch says, “Side of the angels, huh? I haven’t seen any of them show up to help me yet.� Hollywood, the demon: “And they won’t. Because they don’t get involved, not anymore.� And I wonder whose fault that is?
But that is my opinion; yours may not be the same.
The beginning told me that this might be something that Dennis would find interesting. "A drifter, a broken-down hitchhiker blown through Midian (TN) on the prevailing winds. . . and Hendricks is carrying a sword." Of course, it excited me also, as I am a huge Dresden Files fan as well. I passed the info along, and then discovered that the story is part of the four book anthology, "Sinners & Sorcerers: Four Urban Fantasy Thrillers". I eagerly picked it up, as it has not only Crane, but also the amazing S.M. Reine, Daniel Arensen, Scott Nicholson, and the astounding J.R. Rain. And it is only 99 cents, so what a deal!
After reading "Called", I am, again, of two minds. The concept is good. Demon hunter Lafayette Jackson Hendricks strolls into town and immediately runs into his first demon. And things go downhill from there. Archibald “Arch� Stan, ex-football hero and now a deputy sheriff, lives a quiet, boring and ultimately unfulfilling, and yet goodhearted, life � until he runs across Hendricks slaughtering a demon on the town square. Arch’s life will never be the same. Things are different now, in more ways than having the blinders ripped off. For where once only a single flare might show up on the map around the world, there are currently fourteen flares, more than ever before, hot-spots which “pull in demons like the light on a bugzapper - but without the zapper. . .� which as often as not leave whole cities ghost towns, no bodies to be found. And where Hendricks would once have had multiple demon hunters to back him up, suddenly there is only him � well, and Arch.
This is all good. And yet, what drove me NUTS about the story is the pure stupidity that Hendricks shows. It is to be expected from Arch. He really doesn’t have any idea what is going on, if demons are real, or if Hendricks is just some whack-job running around with a sword and a 1911 revolver. I can’t give Hendricks the same grace. Knowing that things are bad, that demons are overrunning the tiny town, and things are really, really not right in the world, he still follows the head between his legs and not the one between his ears, more interested in getting drunk and getting into the pants of the police dispatcher than paying attention to business. And of course, said mindless horndoggedness (yes, I made up that word) nearly costs them everything . . . getting drunk and chasing tail doesn’t really make sense under the circumstances. Between that and unnecessary usage of trash language and sexual stupidity, I was disappointed. I am no prude about language, but I am much of Earnest Borgnine’s way of thinking “Writers used to make such wonderful pictures without all that swearing, all that cursing. And now it seems that you can't say three words without cursing. And I don't think that's right."
I suppose it could be that this is a more “male-centric� story, which these days seems to include much more violent, sexual, and foul speaking lifestyle and expectations than I find acceptable. Who knows? I am a true proponent of kindness over what is considered “moral�, and the power of intellect over violence and ignorance. Whichever one prefers, there are things to recommend in Called, and others to abjure. Crane makes a point that I find most appropriate, though I am by no means religious. Arch says, “Side of the angels, huh? I haven’t seen any of them show up to help me yet.� Hollywood, the demon: “And they won’t. Because they don’t get involved, not anymore.� And I wonder whose fault that is?
But that is my opinion; yours may not be the same.
January 13, 2024
2.5 stars
This is one book that I don't really much one way or another. I didn’t hate it, per se, but I didn't really like it either. Hollywood and Creampuff were the best parts of this novel. I think the problem I had most was the awkward transitions between the POVs and that this novel read more as a script geared more towards a visual story than a novel to be read.
This is one book that I don't really much one way or another. I didn’t hate it, per se, but I didn't really like it either. Hollywood and Creampuff were the best parts of this novel. I think the problem I had most was the awkward transitions between the POVs and that this novel read more as a script geared more towards a visual story than a novel to be read.
February 11, 2018
Fine to read just to pass the time. If you watched "Winonna Earp" on TV, you'll get the gist (except for a male protagonist).
January 25, 2015
Entertaining urban fantasy read, a bit on the dark side. Good characterization though a little uneven, overall.
June 19, 2019
A struggle to finish
Called, the first book of the Southern Watch series features a demon hunter named Hendricks and a police officer named Arch. Hendricks has been drawn to this small town in Tennessee because it is some sort of hotspot that attracts demons. Arch catches Hendricks as he is killing a demon and then the reunion together to fight the demons in the town. Hendricks is supposed to be 25, a veteran. He is unlike any 25 year old I've ever met. Arch is a blackman, which is pointed out several times, particularly by one of the demons as he really wants Arch to know his race is NOT a reason he will be sacrificed. (Sigh) arch also seems to be the only black person in this town. The author did write in a few women characters - mostly for sexual release for the other characters. And that is why this book is only a 2 star for me. I thought the world he built was slightly interesting, but this author needs to spend some serious time learning about character development. I finished this book not having much pull to root for any of the characters - the author didn't give me a reason to want to revisit them. And as a woman, I was pretty turned off that the majority of the females characters were in the story to be rescued or for sex. This book and series needs a lot of work.
Called, the first book of the Southern Watch series features a demon hunter named Hendricks and a police officer named Arch. Hendricks has been drawn to this small town in Tennessee because it is some sort of hotspot that attracts demons. Arch catches Hendricks as he is killing a demon and then the reunion together to fight the demons in the town. Hendricks is supposed to be 25, a veteran. He is unlike any 25 year old I've ever met. Arch is a blackman, which is pointed out several times, particularly by one of the demons as he really wants Arch to know his race is NOT a reason he will be sacrificed. (Sigh) arch also seems to be the only black person in this town. The author did write in a few women characters - mostly for sexual release for the other characters. And that is why this book is only a 2 star for me. I thought the world he built was slightly interesting, but this author needs to spend some serious time learning about character development. I finished this book not having much pull to root for any of the characters - the author didn't give me a reason to want to revisit them. And as a woman, I was pretty turned off that the majority of the females characters were in the story to be rescued or for sex. This book and series needs a lot of work.
July 6, 2019
Let's just say that I'm not really impressed by the start of this series and based on the rating, neither are many other people. I'm kinda glad this was only 173 pages because I started to lose interest about halfway and I had to struggle to finish it. This book badly needed editing to put it together. The potential was there, it just did not seem to be executed well.
The characters were a bit flat and not rounded out well. I couldn't really give a flip about anyone except for poor Creampuff. She did not deserve the ending she got. I liked the characters of Hendricks and Stan. They act as though they could work well together. I hope that they are more in-depth in the next books.
The storyline was a bit dragged out in sections. What really turned me off was the fight scene where it jumped from Stan to Henricks every other paragraph. It was hard to keep track of the action. It didn't flow and it seemed awkward. Some of the scenes were a bit hard to swallow. I have a hard time believing that a sheriff runs his department as badly as Reeve's runs this one. I even have a harder time believing that he accepts his deputy/dispatcher to run around drinking and fucking her away around town in her uniform on her off hours. Are they that desperate? Do you not have any pride in your department?
The Demon storyline I like. I like the mystery of them all congregating in this tiny one horse town. I want to know why and what does Arch have to do with it. Right there is what will have me picking up the next book and reading, Also seeing that the rating are much higher in the rest of the series gives me hope that all is not lost,
The characters were a bit flat and not rounded out well. I couldn't really give a flip about anyone except for poor Creampuff. She did not deserve the ending she got. I liked the characters of Hendricks and Stan. They act as though they could work well together. I hope that they are more in-depth in the next books.
The storyline was a bit dragged out in sections. What really turned me off was the fight scene where it jumped from Stan to Henricks every other paragraph. It was hard to keep track of the action. It didn't flow and it seemed awkward. Some of the scenes were a bit hard to swallow. I have a hard time believing that a sheriff runs his department as badly as Reeve's runs this one. I even have a harder time believing that he accepts his deputy/dispatcher to run around drinking and fucking her away around town in her uniform on her off hours. Are they that desperate? Do you not have any pride in your department?
The Demon storyline I like. I like the mystery of them all congregating in this tiny one horse town. I want to know why and what does Arch have to do with it. Right there is what will have me picking up the next book and reading, Also seeing that the rating are much higher in the rest of the series gives me hope that all is not lost,
June 7, 2019
I can’t give this book anything less than 5 stars. It was fully engaging throughout. The action scenes were so polished, the world building and history was described so well it was easy to immerse yourself in the story.
I absolutely adored the characters. The mystery and humour of Hendricks and the the bravery of Arch.
The villain Hollywood was one of my favourite characters honestly he was absolutely fabulous.
A demon summoned into a cow? I laughed so much at creampuff the cow it was genuinely hilarious.
I’m intrigued about Starling and her backstory, she was written cleverly I feel that there will be so much more to come with her.
There is very little I can say I disliked about this book, it was short and easy read and I just enjoyed it so much!
I absolutely adored the characters. The mystery and humour of Hendricks and the the bravery of Arch.
The villain Hollywood was one of my favourite characters honestly he was absolutely fabulous.
A demon summoned into a cow? I laughed so much at creampuff the cow it was genuinely hilarious.
I’m intrigued about Starling and her backstory, she was written cleverly I feel that there will be so much more to come with her.
There is very little I can say I disliked about this book, it was short and easy read and I just enjoyed it so much!
March 29, 2018
I really, really love this series! I've read the first 3 books of it, one after another. It's about demons, they live along with people, but no one really knows the truth of it. I find it must have been hard to execute and develop this this world.
June 24, 2019
Dark like Dresden
Reminds me of Dresden files.amped and interested in where this series goes. By far worth the read and is free with Prime membership
Reminds me of Dresden files.amped and interested in where this series goes. By far worth the read and is free with Prime membership
May 16, 2021
As with all the "Girl In or Out of the Box" books, this is a keeper. Fast easy familiar reads with characters to love and grow up or down with. Recommend the whole 40+ books -- each has its own story to tell and you will never be bored. Read On!
January 11, 2018
Not my cup of tea. It could have been a nice book but I lost interest in the characters and consequently in their stories. Also I didn't like much the talk of races, skin colours, etc. I finished the book but I skipped quite a few pages. Not going to continue the series if there is any sequel.
May 9, 2019
Uninspired
This is a book full of one dimensional characters and a plot with very little imagination - pretty much a ripoff of "Supernatural". I pretty much found it to be a waste of time.
This is a book full of one dimensional characters and a plot with very little imagination - pretty much a ripoff of "Supernatural". I pretty much found it to be a waste of time.
July 31, 2020
This was recommended to me as a born, raised, and current Tennessean for that rare local flavor in fiction, and as a pretty large fan of fantasy of all stripes I was pretty down for it. It got quite a bit darker than I was expecting, hardly a deal breaker for me though your mileage may vary, and, fair warning, it only gets darker and the characters more antagonistic amongst themselves as the series progresses, which if nothing else is certainly fitting thematically.
I'd have given it a higher rating, with an adjusted scale and expectations for action novels, if there wasn't one thing rubbing me wrong for pretty much all of the six novels I made it through. It's not the occasional editing oversights of grammar up to and including missing whole damn words, though that was fairly noticeable even through my high tolerance for such, hardly innocent of that myself after all, though I'm not charging you for this review, to be fair.
What became too insufferable to keep dealing with all the goddamn time is the "Tennessee flavor" Robert J Crane, a former Floridian who moved to the Midwest according to his Amazon bio, insists on trying to inject as a major element.
For the love of god, shut the fuck up about Moon Pies and the "that's how we do it 'roun here, IN SMALL TOWN TENNESSEE, NEAR CHATTANOOGA YOU GUYS LIKE RC COLA RIGHT?" nonsense that underlies and flavors a pretty solid percentage of the ever more bickersome dialogue. You want some TN flavor about soda, you get one RC Cola shoutout, ONE, and you call a can of Pepsi a Coke, that's it. That's all you get, Florida man turned Yankee. Yes, Midwesterners are Yankees too whatever they think of it, and coastal Floridians are pretty darn borderline while we're on the topic of regionalism.
Or... maybe I just read through them too fast and overloaded my tolerance for pandering. You might get better mileage by not being a Tennessean and not reading a book a day.
All in all, I'm sure there are plenty worse books out there if you want to read about hitting demons with holy swords in small town Southern America. I can't think of any right now, but Crane did seem to be angling pretty hard for an underserved niche so I'm forced to admit this is the best version I've read of it to date.
And, just saying, if Crane actually knew how to pander to small town Tennessee he'd have some of those swords be blessed by the Methodist minister who becomes relevant later instead of having a Catholic do everything demonstrably holy. Maybe a Baptist, though that's bordering on the ridiculous. At least he knew enough to throw some shade at Calvinists once he got several books in, I'll give him that.
I'd have given it a higher rating, with an adjusted scale and expectations for action novels, if there wasn't one thing rubbing me wrong for pretty much all of the six novels I made it through. It's not the occasional editing oversights of grammar up to and including missing whole damn words, though that was fairly noticeable even through my high tolerance for such, hardly innocent of that myself after all, though I'm not charging you for this review, to be fair.
What became too insufferable to keep dealing with all the goddamn time is the "Tennessee flavor" Robert J Crane, a former Floridian who moved to the Midwest according to his Amazon bio, insists on trying to inject as a major element.
For the love of god, shut the fuck up about Moon Pies and the "that's how we do it 'roun here, IN SMALL TOWN TENNESSEE, NEAR CHATTANOOGA YOU GUYS LIKE RC COLA RIGHT?" nonsense that underlies and flavors a pretty solid percentage of the ever more bickersome dialogue. You want some TN flavor about soda, you get one RC Cola shoutout, ONE, and you call a can of Pepsi a Coke, that's it. That's all you get, Florida man turned Yankee. Yes, Midwesterners are Yankees too whatever they think of it, and coastal Floridians are pretty darn borderline while we're on the topic of regionalism.
Or... maybe I just read through them too fast and overloaded my tolerance for pandering. You might get better mileage by not being a Tennessean and not reading a book a day.
All in all, I'm sure there are plenty worse books out there if you want to read about hitting demons with holy swords in small town Southern America. I can't think of any right now, but Crane did seem to be angling pretty hard for an underserved niche so I'm forced to admit this is the best version I've read of it to date.
And, just saying, if Crane actually knew how to pander to small town Tennessee he'd have some of those swords be blessed by the Methodist minister who becomes relevant later instead of having a Catholic do everything demonstrably holy. Maybe a Baptist, though that's bordering on the ridiculous. At least he knew enough to throw some shade at Calvinists once he got several books in, I'll give him that.
January 28, 2016
Called is the first in the Southern Watch demon hunter series by Robert J. Crane.
Hendricks, the demon hunter, appears to be a drifter cowboy who has just arrived in town. Arch is a local police office. They team up after Arch witnesses Hendricks killing a demon. Arch isn’t sure he believes the story until more demons show up.
This story has a homespun feel to it. The characters are low key and our heroes, while they can fight, seem to be on the slow side. Probably more like regular people than what we are used to seeing in the movies and other action stories. I like the characters but they are somewhat shallow. There is a mysterious young woman who comes and goes. We don’t find out anything about her except that she appears to have special powers.
I could wish that an editor had gone over this one more time. However, it is an intriguing story and easy to read. If you are into demon hunter stories, you will most likely enjoy this one.
Hendricks, the demon hunter, appears to be a drifter cowboy who has just arrived in town. Arch is a local police office. They team up after Arch witnesses Hendricks killing a demon. Arch isn’t sure he believes the story until more demons show up.
This story has a homespun feel to it. The characters are low key and our heroes, while they can fight, seem to be on the slow side. Probably more like regular people than what we are used to seeing in the movies and other action stories. I like the characters but they are somewhat shallow. There is a mysterious young woman who comes and goes. We don’t find out anything about her except that she appears to have special powers.
I could wish that an editor had gone over this one more time. However, it is an intriguing story and easy to read. If you are into demon hunter stories, you will most likely enjoy this one.
December 21, 2018
I don't remember what prompted me to pick up this 3 book box set (free), but I am so glad I did!!
Great, visual characters! What I loved about Robert J. Crane's writing was his fighting scenes. What started off as two fights (Hendrick's fight and Arch's fight) ended up merged together. During the whole time it was broken off into small sections of different POVs. Even though the fighting took several chapters, I wasn't bored or felt it was dragged on. Quick bounces back and forth on different POVs ensured I was kept enthralled.
Oh boy, that ending!! Made me glad that I already have the next book.
August 7, 2013
I don't want to get too much into a review for this book yet, since it's not out yet - I beta read it for RJC, who's a friend of mine. But I tore through it on a road trip this week and wanted to say that it's pretty kickass. :)
Fun and exciting - guaranteed to steal your afternoon.
Fun and exciting - guaranteed to steal your afternoon.
October 8, 2019
Tennessee Tribulation with More to Come
It is a great pleasure to encounter a wonderful read like this one. Truly a surprise to find such a well polished work. If you are a fan of action thrillers, or supernatural action this one’s for you. The protagonist of this story is a powerful man by name of Lafayette Hendricks. He presents himself as a Jack Reacher type, dressed a bit like Van Helsing of comic book, and movie fame, complete with long sword and .45 automatic.
Like most Reacher novels, the action begins at the interstate exit closest to a small Southern town, as he departs the cab of an 18 wheeler. He innocently approaches an local resident on the street, and sees the typical demonic glow in the scraggly youth’s eyes. The thing sees than he is recognized, and the fight is on.
We meet our second character in the person of Arch, a deputy sheriff who rolls up on the scene, just as Hendrick’s consecrated sword penetrates the being’s body. It vanishes back to whatever realm it came from in a furious burst of black fire. Arch investigates, and the game is on.
The evil protagonist appears next, he is an upper demon who is trying to perform some arcane ritual to summon Satan or some ancient pagan God. The ritual goes wrong, and well you just have to read it from there. No spoilers on my watch.
This book has complete and complex characterization, you care what happens to these people, and you really want they enemy to get what’s coming to him. The plot is fast paced, and this is a rapid read.
This character and this subject have been handled before. It reminds me of some of the early work of a Christian author named Ted Dekker, and also a book called “Running with the Demon� by Terry Brooks, his series called “The Word and the Void�. If you have read and enjoyed either of these authors, you will enjoy this one. You won’t believe the way this turns out. It is a superior read, don’t pass this one by.
It is a great pleasure to encounter a wonderful read like this one. Truly a surprise to find such a well polished work. If you are a fan of action thrillers, or supernatural action this one’s for you. The protagonist of this story is a powerful man by name of Lafayette Hendricks. He presents himself as a Jack Reacher type, dressed a bit like Van Helsing of comic book, and movie fame, complete with long sword and .45 automatic.
Like most Reacher novels, the action begins at the interstate exit closest to a small Southern town, as he departs the cab of an 18 wheeler. He innocently approaches an local resident on the street, and sees the typical demonic glow in the scraggly youth’s eyes. The thing sees than he is recognized, and the fight is on.
We meet our second character in the person of Arch, a deputy sheriff who rolls up on the scene, just as Hendrick’s consecrated sword penetrates the being’s body. It vanishes back to whatever realm it came from in a furious burst of black fire. Arch investigates, and the game is on.
The evil protagonist appears next, he is an upper demon who is trying to perform some arcane ritual to summon Satan or some ancient pagan God. The ritual goes wrong, and well you just have to read it from there. No spoilers on my watch.
This book has complete and complex characterization, you care what happens to these people, and you really want they enemy to get what’s coming to him. The plot is fast paced, and this is a rapid read.
This character and this subject have been handled before. It reminds me of some of the early work of a Christian author named Ted Dekker, and also a book called “Running with the Demon� by Terry Brooks, his series called “The Word and the Void�. If you have read and enjoyed either of these authors, you will enjoy this one. You won’t believe the way this turns out. It is a superior read, don’t pass this one by.
February 4, 2020
1.5 stars
The cover is the coolest part of this first volume in the series. I've been on an Urban Fantasy kick lately (even if this is more Rural Fantasy as such) and the thought of a cowboy demon hunter intrigued me somewhat. Reading the descriptions, I even got a bit of a Hap & Leonard vibe. A small-town sheriff and a cowboy with a sword hunt demons in a small Southern town. Sounds like a new spin on Urban Fantasy.
The elements of an intriguing story are all there, the concept is sound, the setting is sound, the good and evil are (fairly) sound, but the execution was a little wanting. This seems like the kind of book that was self-published without a real professional editor taking a pass through it. An editor may have warned that having chapters from the POV of a cow may have been a poor idea. The main villain also gets a POV, which is normally fine, but this particular villain seems to be written by a frustrated screenwriter talking in screenplay cliches.
Speaking of screenwriting, there is a big fight scene in this book that constantly shifts POVs...and it's awful. A limited third person POV could still shift "camera angles" to continue the metaphor, without having to jump in and out of heads constantly.
All that said, the author does a decent job at introducing exposition without being obvious about it (something that always sticks in my craw). Some of the characters seem to strain credulity a bit. (a 19 year old female deputy who is a barfly for one) but the two main characters were interesting enough that I kept reading and will probably read the rest, considering they are free on Kindle Unlimited and I don't have anything else to read at the moment.
June 8, 2021
Good story, interesting characters.
I will begin by saying that I liked the premise of the story. It was engaging and entertaining. I will also say that the characters had depth and felt complete. My main complaints about the book as a whole could have been fixed with some editing. There were a lot of clunky sentences that forced me to reread the sentence to figure out what was being said. There were also a handful of grammatical errors and one instance where a character is called by the wrong name. Some parts of the story seemed like fluff and did little to move the story forward. I mean how many times do we need to know that the main character doesn't like the smell of cigarettes unless he's drinking? Apparently twice. Also, sulfur and brimstone are essentially the same thing, so there is no need to say that someone smelled sulfur and brimstone. Finally, as a former marine, there is no way in hell that Hendricks would have been promoted to staff sergeant with only serving two years. Other than being offended by being called a sailor, he sounded more like an army dog. Based on where he was from, he would have been a Hollywood Marine and would have gone to M.C.R.D. I know this are mostly little nitpicks, but they were enough to turn a story that could have been great, to good.
I will begin by saying that I liked the premise of the story. It was engaging and entertaining. I will also say that the characters had depth and felt complete. My main complaints about the book as a whole could have been fixed with some editing. There were a lot of clunky sentences that forced me to reread the sentence to figure out what was being said. There were also a handful of grammatical errors and one instance where a character is called by the wrong name. Some parts of the story seemed like fluff and did little to move the story forward. I mean how many times do we need to know that the main character doesn't like the smell of cigarettes unless he's drinking? Apparently twice. Also, sulfur and brimstone are essentially the same thing, so there is no need to say that someone smelled sulfur and brimstone. Finally, as a former marine, there is no way in hell that Hendricks would have been promoted to staff sergeant with only serving two years. Other than being offended by being called a sailor, he sounded more like an army dog. Based on where he was from, he would have been a Hollywood Marine and would have gone to M.C.R.D. I know this are mostly little nitpicks, but they were enough to turn a story that could have been great, to good.
July 12, 2024
I DNFed this book around the halfway mark. This is not to say that the book was terrible; it was both the book, and my personal preferences having changed somewhat. There were no glaring technical errors: no typos or obvious plot holes. In fact, it even managed to elicit a smile or chuckle from time to time.
But it felt slow, even though it had action—which was, I suspect, caused by the lack of connection I felt to either of the characters. And while I understand that the setting is meant to be small town America in the South, by golly, these people are boring! You don't have to rub it in everytime.
The worldbuilding was nothing special. In fact, there was hardly any of it. Both main characters were dull—the cowboy was a blank slate, and as for the cop, he could not have been more bland or generic. I knew hardly anything of their hopes, fears, and dreams. This kind of thing can be forgiven in a grand fantasy epic, but for such a small scale, intimate plot, it did the book no favours at all.
In short: if it's urban fantasy you're after, there are other authors that do it better.
But it felt slow, even though it had action—which was, I suspect, caused by the lack of connection I felt to either of the characters. And while I understand that the setting is meant to be small town America in the South, by golly, these people are boring! You don't have to rub it in everytime.
The worldbuilding was nothing special. In fact, there was hardly any of it. Both main characters were dull—the cowboy was a blank slate, and as for the cop, he could not have been more bland or generic. I knew hardly anything of their hopes, fears, and dreams. This kind of thing can be forgiven in a grand fantasy epic, but for such a small scale, intimate plot, it did the book no favours at all.
In short: if it's urban fantasy you're after, there are other authors that do it better.
April 14, 2020
I hardly know how to begin with this book. The premise was enough for me to pick it up, but right from the first, it had me scratching my head. While expecting a serious endeavor into demons living among humans undetected and a demon hunter arriving in town to take them on, it segues into a kind of a buddy story, with humorous anecdotes, surprisingly graphic sex scenes. I actually found myself struggling to finish the book because I lost interest in the original premise. The big 'hook' at the end, which was supposed to make me rush off the read the next installment in the series, did exactly the opposite. Too many inconsistencies as well. One passage has the character backing out of a parking stall, and the next paragraph has him backing out of the parking stall. The cowboy demon hunter gives his switchblade knife to the cop for protection, and then shortly thereafter has his sword and switchblade in his hands. I found these inconsistencies annoying and would not recommend the book to others.
June 22, 2019
Humor filled. Fast paced. Decently written.
I’m new to this type of genre (punk, apocalyptic, dark fantasy?) but have to say it was a fun read. The pages flew by rather easily, as the author keeps the story simple and world building/character depth rather light. Normally, I’d say that as a detriment. But, in this case, I’d say it goes in favor of the book and how the author writes. This makes for a fun read, with plenty of dry humor sprinkled in (which, to my airplane seat ages dismay, had me laughing without warning) and just enough curiosity to see where the plot would take me.
I do wish the “world building� (i.e., historical context) were developed by the author. It is the hallmark of our classics that a reader learns the backdrop enough to be vested in the nuances of the present. Otherwise, I’d highly recommended this to anyone looking for a light read, but well-written and good grammar, with this type of modern, dark, alternative drama.
I’m new to this type of genre (punk, apocalyptic, dark fantasy?) but have to say it was a fun read. The pages flew by rather easily, as the author keeps the story simple and world building/character depth rather light. Normally, I’d say that as a detriment. But, in this case, I’d say it goes in favor of the book and how the author writes. This makes for a fun read, with plenty of dry humor sprinkled in (which, to my airplane seat ages dismay, had me laughing without warning) and just enough curiosity to see where the plot would take me.
I do wish the “world building� (i.e., historical context) were developed by the author. It is the hallmark of our classics that a reader learns the backdrop enough to be vested in the nuances of the present. Otherwise, I’d highly recommended this to anyone looking for a light read, but well-written and good grammar, with this type of modern, dark, alternative drama.
August 31, 2019
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. The characterizations were good. But, the F-bombs were tossed in gratuitously and awkwardly, as if the author felt he needed to do that to make the book "smart" or "cutting edge".
The mild, yet graphic sexual content was awkward and only served to take the reader out of the story. An editor would more than likely have run a red pencil line through those parts, as needless.
The setup for the sequel is there, and suitably ominous. Questions were left unanswered. Who was the shooter? What do they know? Are they or were they once demon hunters? And, I'm sure we'll see Starling again.
Perhaps, once this author gets more experience and sharpens his writing chops, the narratives will tighten up. There are some truly bright moments shining through here. Enough to make me want to try the next installment in the story.
The mild, yet graphic sexual content was awkward and only served to take the reader out of the story. An editor would more than likely have run a red pencil line through those parts, as needless.
The setup for the sequel is there, and suitably ominous. Questions were left unanswered. Who was the shooter? What do they know? Are they or were they once demon hunters? And, I'm sure we'll see Starling again.
Perhaps, once this author gets more experience and sharpens his writing chops, the narratives will tighten up. There are some truly bright moments shining through here. Enough to make me want to try the next installment in the story.
February 4, 2020
Ugh, I wanted to like this concept as I am a Tennessean and grew up not far from where the story takes place. This is what I get for being suckered in. The story reads like an episode of the Supernatural tv series. The book doesn’t go much of anywhere. The characters aren’t well developed. All in all it just feels like a grand cliche. For fans of the Diablo video game, it goes full on cow level and I can’t believe that it wasn’t the inspiration for a major arc of the story. The Southern color of the book even feels poorly executed. Sorry.
Rarely am I this down on a book. In trying to find the positive, the 14 year old me would have enjoyed it having found a well thumbed copy in a used bookstore or something. It has demons in it and clumsy descriptions of sex which would have worked at the time. That’s all I got.
Rarely am I this down on a book. In trying to find the positive, the 14 year old me would have enjoyed it having found a well thumbed copy in a used bookstore or something. It has demons in it and clumsy descriptions of sex which would have worked at the time. That’s all I got.
April 21, 2020
High Energy
The story is high energy all the way. I enjoyed the descriptions and overall storyline but found it difficult to follow the omniscient narrative. It sometimes felt too telling.
It felt like standing behind the action and watching scenes unfold but at the same time it was jumping from character to character, so the point of view was all over the place. It makes for a disoriented feeling and the only saving grace in this regard was the character voice. The author made sure that each character was unique and easy to follow.
The writer ends sentences with “too� and “though� far too often which started to pulled me out of the story after a while.
All around it was never dull and I was intrigued enough to turn the page. That’s what really matters. I see excellent potential and would like to see how this writer evolves.
The story is high energy all the way. I enjoyed the descriptions and overall storyline but found it difficult to follow the omniscient narrative. It sometimes felt too telling.
It felt like standing behind the action and watching scenes unfold but at the same time it was jumping from character to character, so the point of view was all over the place. It makes for a disoriented feeling and the only saving grace in this regard was the character voice. The author made sure that each character was unique and easy to follow.
The writer ends sentences with “too� and “though� far too often which started to pulled me out of the story after a while.
All around it was never dull and I was intrigued enough to turn the page. That’s what really matters. I see excellent potential and would like to see how this writer evolves.
December 16, 2018
While this series is disturbing on many levels, it is also a series that I am glad that I've read and will continue to read until the brutal, blood end. Many of the characters are flawed, some are just evil and the demons are enough to make any lover of horror stories cringe.
Mr. Crane has said that this is his least popular series and as such is on the back burner in order of writing, publication and release; book 8 was tentatively scheduled for 2019 and has been pushed back until 2020 and I'm disappointed. I'm not sure how many more are planned, but I'd like to finish the series before I die so I hope he'll change his mind.
Mr. Crane, because of this series you have a new fan who plans to read your other series. The next one will be the second least popular.
4.25 Stars
Mr. Crane has said that this is his least popular series and as such is on the back burner in order of writing, publication and release; book 8 was tentatively scheduled for 2019 and has been pushed back until 2020 and I'm disappointed. I'm not sure how many more are planned, but I'd like to finish the series before I die so I hope he'll change his mind.
Mr. Crane, because of this series you have a new fan who plans to read your other series. The next one will be the second least popular.
4.25 Stars
July 27, 2019
I love the Deresden Files, and this one called to me. Coat, hat, and a sword for killing evil, or demons, in this case. .I should have quit much sooner. His purpose in life is sex, getting drunk, and then eventually getting to a few demons. He has a swagger that gets old, complains at twenty five, of being old. Perhaps it needed the talking skull, or his beat up VW, or a vamp for a family member. Dresden is funny, and kick butt, and so much better than this. The language was vulgar, and the ladies portrayed as cheap, and easy. I thought there may be a saving grace in the sheriff deputy. I guess it is a guy thing. He just hitches rides, sleeps in skank hotels and is dreary. I did not complete it, for reasons listed, and gave it 2 stars for the same reasons
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