GR Summer Challenge 2019: New voices: Read a debut novel.

[baronessekat]

Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Absolutely wonderful Victorian Urban Dark Fantasy.

Johannes Cabal is a Necromancer (like you couldn't tell from the title). He sold his soul to Satan in exchange for instant knowledge of the Necromantic Arts. But he has discovered that without his soul he cannot reliably perform the rituals he needs. So he strikes a deal with the Devil. If, in one year, he is able to get 100 people to sign their soul over, Satan will return Johannes'. If not, the man is doomed for all eternity with no hope to bargain again.

The Devil even helps him out by providing him with an infernal traveling carnival. So with the help of his undead brother Horst, Cabal travels the countryside attempting to get 100 people to sign the contract.


I really liked this book, especially the reading done by Christopher Cazenove (I must find more done by him). It was the right combination of dark, noir, and uproariously funny. I very much recommend.



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