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Johannes Cabal the Necromancer (Johannes Cabal Novels Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,525 ratings

The page-turning first novel in the charmingly gothic, fiendishly funny Faustian series about a brilliant scientist who makes a deal with the Devil, twice. • "The spot-on work of a talented writer." —The Denver Post

Johannes Cabal sold his soul years ago in order to learn the laws of necromancy. Now he wants it back. Amused and slightly bored, Satan proposes a little wager: Johannes has to persuade one hundred people to sign over their souls or he will be damned forever. This time for real. Accepting the bargain, Jonathan is given one calendar year and a traveling carnival to complete his task. With little time to waste, Johannes raises a motley crew from the dead and enlists his brother, Horst, a charismatic vampire to help him run his nefarious road show, resulting in mayhem at every turn.

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Book Description
In this uproarious and clever debut, it’s time to give the Devil his due.

Johannes Cabal, a brilliant scientist and notorious snob, is single-mindedly obsessed in heart and soul with raising the dead. Well, perhaps not soul... He hastily sold his years ago in order to learn the laws of necromancy. But now, tormented by a dark secret, he travels to the fiery pits of Hell to retrieve it. Satan, who is incredibly bored these days, proposes a little wager: Johannes has one year to persuade one hundred people to sign over their souls or he will be damned forever.

To make the bet even more interesting, Satan throws in that diabolical engine of deceit, seduction, and corruption known as a “traveling circus” to aid in the evil bidding. What better place exists to rob poor sad saps of their souls than the traveling carnivals historically run by hucksters and legendary con men?

With little time to lose, Johannes raises a motley crew from the dead and enlists his brother, Horst, a charismatic vampire (an unfortunate side effect of Johannes’s early experiments with necromancy), to be the carnival’s barker. On the road through the pastoral English countryside, this team of reprobates wields their black magic with masterful ease, resulting in mayhem at every turn.

Johannes may have the moral conscience of anthrax, but are his tricks sinful enough to beat the Devil at his own game? You’ll never guess, and that’s a promise!

Brilliantly written and wickedly funny, Johannes Cabal the Necromancer combines the chills and thrills of old-fashioned gothic tales like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the mischievous humor of Wicked, and the sophisticated charms of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell and spins the Faustian legend into a fresh, irreverent, and irresistible new adventure.

A Q&A with Jonathan L. Howard

Question: You’ve been working on Johannes Cabal in its various iterations for many years now, how did it feel spending so much time with such nefarious characters?

Jonathan L. Howard: It’s something of a cliché to say that villains are more interesting than heroes, nor is it even very true, so I shan’t be trotting that particular phrase out. I would suggest that it is the inner life of the character that makes them interesting, and that is true of the virtuous as much as the vile. Cabal does some rather horrible things, it is true, but he never does them purely to give himself the opportunity to curl his waxed moustache—he’s clean-shaven, for one thing—and declaim his wickedness. He always has a reason, and it’s usually a good one. I find fictional villains who are evil because they are evil unengaging. Cabal, on the other hand, has motivations and drives that most can sympathise with, even if the actions he commits based on those drives can be loathsome. For him, the ends always justify the means, and damn the consequences.

Question: The carnival in your book is used as a device for collecting souls; was there a real life inspiration for the carnival? Do you find there to be something generally sinister about carnivals?

Jonathan L. Howard: There’s no real life inspiration for the carnival, really, but plenty in fiction. The obvious inspiration was Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes, which is a deserved classic. I liked the Disney film version, too, and dearly wish that its original incarnation as a screenplay in the fifties produced by Gene Kelly—Gene Kelly!—had come to fruition. Something Wicked’s Cooger & Dark’s Carnival wasn’t the first threatening carnival in fiction, and it certainly wasn’t the last, but it is probably the best. It was the persnickety question of where such a carnival might come from and how anybody would end up as a proprietor that inspired my novel.

As for how sinister they are, that is to an extent a fictional conceit on my part too. You have to bear in mind that carnivals like that are unknown in the United Kingdom, and I haven’t heard of the traditional British travelling fair being transported by train either. The Cabal stories take place in a slightly blurry world where things come together because they aesthetically appeal to me, and not because they’re historically accurate; a magical realism of sorts. I wanted an American-style carnival travelling by train, and that’s what I got. That said, there are plenty of permanent fairgrounds around the country, and they tended to have a slightly creepy air about them. The real Ghost Trains in Blackpool and Porthcawl, for example, inspired the exterior of the Ghost Train in the novel.

Question: In addition to writing you work as a video game designer, how does that work compare to the experience of writing fiction? Are there any surprising similarities?

Jonathan L. Howard: There are definite similarities, but I wouldn’t say that they are surprising. The games I’ve worked on tend to have definite narratives, so it’s exactly the same process of inspiration, development, pacing, and polishing. The main difference is that a novel can have significant sequences in which physically little happens, which is considered heretical in games. In fairness, there’s good reason for that—the player wants to be involved, and there isn’t a great deal of opportunity for that in a scene consisting of two people talking over a cup of tea. That’s not to say it hasn’t been attempted, and pretty successfully. I remember a game a few years ago based on the stories of Edgar Allan Poe. It hit all its target, being very atmospheric, true to its source, even thought provoking, and all without Pit and the Pendulum platformer or Fall of the House of Usher first person shooter sections. In commercial terms, however, it was never going to be the next Tomb Raider.

Question: Have you always been a fan or horror and supernatural lore? When did this sort of thing first capture your imagination?

Jonathan L. Howard: Yes, I’ve always enjoyed the grotesque and the macabre, right from an early age. I recall that I somehow saw Dana Andrews being chased around the woods by a fireball in Night of the Demon when I was about four or five, and being fascinated. I grew up on a diet of black and white Doctor Who, The Avengers, snatched glimpses of the first few minutes of Out of the Unknown episodes before being sent to bed, and any number of slightly disturbing imports like The Tinderbox and The Singing, Ringing Tree. I remember that I got a book for Christmas sometime in the very early seventies called Stranger Than People, which was basically a young person’s guide to Fortean phenomena, interspersed with stories like "The Yellow Monster of Sundra Strait," and Poe’s "Metzengerstein." I loved that book; I read it so many times that the cover fell off.

Question: What sort of research did you do for the book? Was there anything you came across in the process that really surprised you?

Jonathan L. Howard: I actually did very little research for it; it was mostly lurking in my mind already. I can remember little necessary for day to day living, but if you ask me the birth name of Dr. Crippen’s wife, I can tell you off the top of my head. I needed a bit of nomenclature for something or other in the running of a carnival, which a librarian friend found for me, but that was the only real piece of research for it. Even things like the Grand Conjuration to summon a demon—which is an authentic ritual, you may be horrified to hear—was in a book I already had. I have a large collection of books on assorted esoterica to the extent that my wife, a bibliophile herself, rolls her eyes and says, “Not more bloody books?” whenever I come home with a bookshop bag and a sheepish expression.

Question: There is a lot of paperwork in your version of Hell. Did you hold an especially bureaucratic job somewhere before working as a game designer?

Jonathan L. Howard: No, I’m very happy to say. I remember as a child considering the inevitability of growing up and wondering what the worst thing about it would be. It all looked pretty good from that perspective: money, going to bed when you liked, being able to go into any certificate film, and so on. Finally, I spotted a bad point, and that bad point was having to fill in forms. And I was right. There’s just something about completing a form that fills me with dread in its consideration, and depression during its commission. Which reminds me; I have two to fill in this week. Oh, joy.

Question: Johannes is a bit of an anti-hero and his motivations are somewhat mysterious. Do you think that he’s misunderstood by those around him?

Jonathan L. Howard: He’s definitely misunderstood, although if he were understood, it still wouldn’t make him popular. The fact that he’s labeled a necromancer gives him a public relations problem, as the vast majority of them are power hungry lunatics. Cabal’s ultimate aim is to defeat death, and to have the ability to bring people back just as they were when they were alive, physically, mentally, and spiritually. No lurking demonic possessions, no uncouth brain gobbling. His researches in that direction, however, have not been conducted in the most advantageous light.

Question: What’s next for you?

Jonathan L. Howard: I handed in the submission draft of the second Cabal novel Johannes Cabal the Detective just the other week, so that will be going through the editorial process shortly. I also have to decide what the next Cabal novel after that will be; I have a couple of ideas so it’s a case of weighing pros and cons before making a decision. I have a couple of non-Cabal novels, one of which is completed but needs a second draft, and the other is about 80% done. I’d like to get them polished, and then see if we can get them into print.

(Photo © Emma L.B.K. Smith)

From Publishers Weekly

When Johannes Cabal, a haughty sorcerer, finds that the absence of a soul is an impediment to his occult studies, he strikes a bargain with Satan in British author Howard's darkly funny debut: in one year's time he'll deliver the bartered souls of 100 unfortunates so that he might repossess his own. Cabal and his vampire brother, Horst, mount a traveling carnival to scour the countryside for men and women desperate enough to consign their souls to an infernal eternity for whatever will relieve their misery of the moment. Cabal proves marginally competent but maximally amusing in his dealings with a competing necromancer, an asylum of escaped lunatics and a staff of slowly decomposing carnies conjured from the dead. Howard capably synthesizes two classic themes of macabre fiction—the pact with the devil and the dark carnival—but the book's episodic structure and unconvincing ending betray it as a freshman effort. Still, Howard's ear for witty banter and his skill at rendering black comedy bode well for the future. (July)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B002DOSBL6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Anchor (June 17, 2009)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 17, 2009
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1113 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 306 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0385528086
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,525 ratings

About the author

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Jonathan L. Howard
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Jonathan L. Howard is a game designer and BAFTA nominated scriptwriter of some twenty years experience.

He's been a novelist since 2009, débuting with the darkly humorous "Johannes Cabal the Necromancer." Since then the sequels "Johannes Cabal the Detective" (2010), "Johannes Cabal: The Fear Institute" (2011), and "The Brothers Cabal" (2014) have also seen print. The new Cabal novel "The Fall of the House of Cabal" is set for publication in late 2016.

The first novel of his Russalka Chronicles trilogy, "Katya's World," a YA science fiction story that takes place on the dangerous and unforgiving ocean-covered world of Russalka, was published in 2012, the first sequel, "Katya's War," following in 2013.

2014 saw the beginning of the "Goon Squad" project, an ongoing story of mismatched superheroes, published in episodes.

His new series of modern horror novels began with "Carter & Lovecraft," published in 2015. The sequel "After the End of the World" was published in 2017.

Jonathan L. Howard lives with his family in the English West Country.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,525 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an enjoyable and entertaining read with a strong sense of humor. They appreciate the engaging story with interesting plot twists and characters that readers can relate to. The writing style is described as witty and clever, making it a great choice for word lovers. Readers also praise the well-developed characters and intelligent concept.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

83 customers mention "Readability"76 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it an enjoyable and entertaining read from start to finish. The characters are described as addictive and the plot keeps readers interested for about a quarter of the book.

"...What follows is a stunning novel, well-written, at times laugh-out-loud funny, at times poignant to the point of tears, as Cabal struggles to win..." Read more

"...Johannes Cabal the Necromancer is a clever, well-crafted book. It sets up a sequel (which is already out) that I'm extremely curious to read...." Read more

"...Overall it's an okay read, but the characters didn't grab me, and I found myself plodding through most of it...." Read more

"...I seldom 'gush' about a book, but I think this one is worth it. I loved the dry, slightly sneering humor that underlies most of this book...." Read more

62 customers mention "Humor"62 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find it brilliant, with a relatable protagonist and a strong sense of comedic timing. The humor is described as dry sarcasm, with a strong sense of humor. It's also described as silly and whimsical, with crafty absurdity woven throughout the story. Overall, customers describe the book as fun and relaxing, wrapped in a dark setting with a good dose of humor.

"...I can't do justice to the plot, trying to describe it. It is humorous and sad, it is preternatural and very real, it is historical and present time..." Read more

"...Cabal's dry sarcasm combines with a strong sense of comedic timing (always tough in written form) to create a book that's slick and wry, as opposed..." Read more

"...If you like horror with a very visual and humorous element, run to buy this book" Read more

"...of Johannes, and his vampire brother (Horst), makes for a hilariously dark read that takes you from graveyards, from town to town, and directly into..." Read more

62 customers mention "Writing quality"52 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the tales humorous with punchlines that make them worthwhile to read. The diction, vocabulary, and tone are appreciated by word lovers. The book is described as light and funny, with attention to detail and unique turns of phrase.

"...What follows is a stunning novel, well-written, at times laugh-out-loud funny, at times poignant to the point of tears, as Cabal struggles to win..." Read more

"...Each chapter has a beginning, an end, some appropriate chuckles and a nod towards a larger plot arc...." Read more

"...The writing is full of wit, and the darkness of the subject matter is balanced with the humor of both the situations themselves, and by the dialogue..." Read more

"...Nevertheless the tales are short and the punch line makes them worthy to read and funny. This is not the case with this book...." Read more

61 customers mention "Story quality"52 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the story's writing style and find the plot interesting. They appreciate the character development and unexpected twists that keep them hooked. The concept behind the novel sounds entertaining, and they describe it as a good spooky read.

"...But Johannes Cabal is a child of the TV era. Each chapter has a beginning, an end, some appropriate chuckles and a nod towards a larger plot arc...." Read more

"I discovered this series while strolling for a good spooky read. This book and series filled the bill to my delight...." Read more

"Interesting concept and narrative structure, but I'm not sure the writer was able to pull it off...." Read more

"...was superb, and the last paragraph just blew me away with its total unexpectedness and yet it was EXACTLY right. Highly recommended...." Read more

46 customers mention "Character development"40 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the well-written characters and dark humor in the book. They find the protagonists annoying, but there's nothing malicious about them or the humor. The anti-hero is likable, even if not relatable. There are no unanswered plot twists and everything ties up well in the end.

"...I've refered these books to all my reading friends and they also love the character and the story lines...." Read more

"...desire to harm the world, and this reason is what makes him a sympathetic character...." Read more

"...the collection of souls to be dammned, there's nothing malicious about the characters or the humor...." Read more

"...It's INCREDIBLY well written, has wonderfully developed characters who are often quite addictive and, ultimately, it's wildly creative and unlike..." Read more

19 customers mention "Intelligence"16 positive3 negative

Customers find the book clever and insightful. They appreciate the interesting concept and narrative structure. The book honors intellect and will over sentiment, putting intellect and will above sentiment.

"...Johannes Cabal the Necromancer is a clever, well-crafted book. It sets up a sequel (which is already out) that I'm extremely curious to read...." Read more

"...and light will not like this book, as the book honors intellect and will above sentiment...." Read more

"...Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard very refreshing, imaginative, and funny. There are very few who can weave such a good dark yarn...." Read more

"...Kudos to the author and his marvelous imagination!" Read more

13 customers mention "Morality"9 positive4 negative

Customers have different views on the morality of the book. Some find it interesting and poignant, with an intriguing interaction between good and evil. Others feel the morality lacks depth and is disappointingly moral.

"...well-written, at times laugh-out-loud funny, at times poignant to the point of tears, as Cabal struggles to win souls for Satan...." Read more

"...a lot of potential for humor, dark wit, fantastic characters, and moral tension...." Read more

"...Some small plot holes and melodrama. Not substantive. However, it was a very easy fast read, had good humor, and was entertaining...." Read more

"...of not giving anything away, I just love this story for the humor, macabre and otherwise...." Read more

8 customers mention "Interest"4 positive4 negative

Customers have different views on the book's interest. Some find it engaging and refreshing, with good moments that hold their attention until the end. Others feel the narrative lacks a compelling reason to keep reading, leaving them unsatisfied.

"...written, has wonderfully developed characters who are often quite addictive and, ultimately, it's wildly creative and unlike anything else I've read..." Read more

"...In this story the places Cabal visit are empty and boring and as Cabal doesn't care about the adventure actually he doesn't interact with them, he..." Read more

"...In this first novel there are some very good moments, and for me that's what makes a book. The plot is OK and as good as any...." Read more

"...Then it became progressively less interesting. It's sheer originality begin to start to dissolve into well-worn tropes...." Read more

Devoted Cabalist Fan
5 out of 5 stars
Devoted Cabalist Fan
Not to be missed. This is the first of 5 in the series with some short stories that are also worth tracking down. I enjoyed both reading and listening to these Cabal books with the sardonic humor and often absurd story lines. I listen to the audiobooks while running and often can't stop from bursting out in laughter. I hope Howard keeps writing more in the Cabal series even if only an occasional short story.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2010
    Johannes Cabal appears quite the amoral scientist: full of intelligence and determination, lacking in social skills and scruples. He sells his soul for the knowledge to become a necromancer but finds that his soulless state interferes with his necromancy research. So, he heads down to Hell to ask for it back. Satan, as you would assume, is reluctant to give it up and a wager is struck. Now, Cabal has a year to get 100 souls to replace his, and a cursed carnival to help him.

    What follows is a stunning novel, well-written, at times laugh-out-loud funny, at times poignant to the point of tears, as Cabal struggles to win souls for Satan. The plot takes many unexpected turns and it is never certain, even when it IS certain, whether Cabal will win--or just HOW he will win. I wanted Cabal to win his soul back, but. . . it's rather difficult cheering for an antihero SO on the wrong side.

    I can't do justice to the plot, trying to describe it. It is humorous and sad, it is preternatural and very real, it is historical and present time. . . There is just so much to it. All I can really say is, "read it and see for yourself".
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2010
    Johannes Cabal the Necromancer (2009) is an amusing, folklorish tale from Jonathan Howard.

    Cabal is, unsuprisingly, a necromancer. He's traded his soul for the power of life and death, but now he's discovered that his soulless state is impacting his (otherwise rigorous) experimentation. Cabal is exactly the sort of meticulous proto-scientific sort that can't stand this sort of unpredictable involvement in his research. Therefore, he needs his soul back.

    Satan, ever up for a good time, is willing to wager. If Cabal can get 100 souls in the next year, the Devil will return the original (slightly worn for wear). Hell, being an accommodating sort of archfiend, Satan will even chuck in the means of soul-gathering: a carnival.

    Cabal knows that the Devil will cheat, but any chance is better than none, and the narcissistic necromancer has a very high opinion of his own cunning.

    What follows is a somewhat-blackly humorous series of episodic adventures as Cabal and his cronies attempt to outwit the Devil and reach their quota. The "somewhat-blackly" comes from the fact that Cabal, despite name & profession, isn't really a bad guy. For the most part, he's off preying on those beasties and blackguards that are even more reprehensible than he is. Despite some efforts to create moral quandaries, there's never really any tension about it. If Cabal were unlikable, the book wouldn't work. Fortunately, the reader can back him with only the barest amount of unease.

    The book is also very funny. Howard has a very polished, supremely composed style. The closest comparison, if one were necessary, would be Stroud's Bartimaeus - except without the tangential footnotes. Cabal's dry sarcasm combines with a strong sense of comedic timing (always tough in written form) to create a book that's slick and wry, as opposed to laugh out loud. There are a few set-piece comedic bits that are perhaps a little over-composed - the occasional stretched, near-Pratchettian silliness, for example - but largely, Howard is channeling a voice of his own.

    There is, however, something about humorous genre pieces that necessitates an episodic structure. No one since (or possibly including) Adams has been able to create a holistic storytelling experience and keep the laughs coming. The carnival set-up is a good one: Cabal moves from town to town, having a different encounter in each. But Johannes Cabal is a child of the TV era. Each chapter has a beginning, an end, some appropriate chuckles and a nod towards a larger plot arc. For Howard, it works - down to the special double-episode season finale. (And appropriate cliff-hanger to start season 2).

    Johannes Cabal the Necromancer is a clever, well-crafted book. It sets up a sequel (which is already out) that I'm extremely curious to read. I could see the central conceit of the story getting very old, very quickly. Or, in the hands of a talented author (like Howard seems to be) becoming a cult cultural icon. Either way, this is a book worth reading: light, entertaining and extremely polished.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2024
    I discovered this series while strolling for a good spooky read. This book and series filled the bill to my delight. I read this book at least 5 times along with books 2,3,4,5 and loved them all. I've refered these books to all my reading friends and they also love the character and the story lines. If you like horror with a very visual and humorous element, run to buy this book
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2016
    Howard’s portrayal of Johannes, and his vampire brother (Horst), makes for a hilariously dark read that takes you from graveyards, from town to town, and directly into the pits of hell itself. Johannes is a scientist who previously made a deal with the devil to learn the art of necromancy. Now, he wants his soul back and makes a second deal with the devil in order to win it back. One that involves a dark carnival (read as inspired by “Something Wicked this Way Comes,” by Ray Bradbury) in which Johannes must get one hundred souls signed over to the devil in order to win his soul back.

    You will see just how far over the line Johannes is willing to step as far as getting evil/corrupt people to sign over their souls (people who are arguably damned anyway) vs. tricking innocent souls into signing their lives away. It makes for an interesting ponder over what you might be capable of doing to others if it meant saving yourself or someone you loved. Would you damn an innocent in order to save yourself? If you say that you wouldn’t, I bet when push came to shove, you would. The fight for self-preservation in order to live is very strong, and is an ingrained instinct that would be hard to change, even if you wanted to.

    The writing is full of wit, and the darkness of the subject matter is balanced with the humor of both the situations themselves, and by the dialogue between the characters.

    I loved it! We learn at the end of this book exactly why necromancy is so important to Johannes. He doesn’t want to create a zombie army to do his evil bidding, nothing like that. The point isn’t that he wants a bunch of animated corpses to provide free labor to work in his lab. He has a reason for wanting what he wants that isn’t based on an evil desire to harm the world, and this reason is what makes him a sympathetic character.

    This is the first book of a series, and I have already ordered the remaining books, with the exception of the fifth (because it hasn’t been released yet).
    8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Rachel Ward
    5.0 out of 5 stars bloody brilliant!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2024
    Reminiscent of Douglas Adams in style. Hilarious, witty, heartbreaking. Johannes Cabal is the best anti hero you will ever find. This book has it all, murder, Satan, romance, laugh out loud humour, vampires and intelligently written. Can’t recommend enough!
  • Carlbennett
    5.0 out of 5 stars Für Freunde des schwarzen Humores
    Reviewed in Germany on October 4, 2020
    Wer auf der Suche nach dem Beginn einer neuen Buchreihe ist und auf eine Mischung zwischen Urban Fantasy, Gothic und schwarzen Humor ist, der ist hier richtig. Johannes Cabal ist eine der interessantesten Figuren, die mir bisher begegnet sind.
  • Cliente Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente!
    Reviewed in Brazil on February 8, 2017
    Engraçado, inteligente, sarcástico e sombrio. Leitura fácil e personagens que, apesar das atitudes no mínimo questionáveis, prendem você do começo ao fim. Um livro de fantasia que com certeza merece mais reconhecimento.
  • Sean
    5.0 out of 5 stars Macabre Humour at its Finest
    Reviewed in Canada on June 7, 2014
    I've found that the very best stories usually hook me with the first paragraph. Sure, some books start slow then pick up steam (or not), but I've rarely seen a book start strong and then go downhill. So I'm always delighted when I find a book whose first lines make me want to keep reading: I just know that there is a good story to follow.

    Such was the case with the first book in Jonathan Howard's Johannes Cabal series, which I recently bought on a whim because I liked the cover. And, fortunately, as soon as I read the first paragraph I was reasonably sure that I had not misjudged the book by its cover:

    "Walpurgisnacht, the Hexennacht. The last night in April. The night of witches, when evil walks abroad."

    It was short, it was sweet, and it set the tone for the rest of the book. This is the story of Johannes Cabal, a thoroughly callous and self-centered scientist who has sold his soul to the devil in exchange for the secrets of necromancy. Now he wants it back. Cabal journeys to hell to barter with Lucifer and makes the following wager: he has one year to consign one-hundred souls to damnation or lose his own for eternity. Satan doesn't send Johannes away empty-handed, however: he lends him a long-abandoned carnival train to help him on his quest. Cabal, an anti-social introvert, considers the prospect of running a carnival more of an ironic punishment than a boon. One sympathizes. Imagine the character of Sheldon Cooper, from T.V.'s Big Bang Theory (or me) forced to rely on personal charm to seduce unwary patrons into signing away their souls and you will have a good idea of just how out of his depth Cabal is. Satan doesn't like to make these wagers easy, otherwise everybody will be wanting one.

    This book was inspired by Ray Bradbury's classic, Something Wicked This Way Comes, when Howard wondered where an evil carnival would come from. In Johannes Cabal the Necromancer he sets out to answer this question. The story is cleverly and eloquently written and is laced with sardonic wit that is likely to appeal to fans of British comedies such Black Adder. Indeed, were this book ever adapted to the screen, I can't imagine anyone better than Hugh Laurie to play the title role. Cabal is an unapologetic misanthrope who is more than willing to sacrifice anyone, even his own brother, Horst, to achieve his goals and who won't hesitate to kill anyone who stands in his way. Yet we are allowed, on occasion, to catch ephemeral glimpses of the good man locked deep within who gives us hope that despite Cabal's rapid moral deterioration, redemption might not yet be beyond his grasp.

    Johannes Cabal the Necromancer may not be to everyone's taste, but if you have a love of the macabre and an off-colour sense of humour that makes normal people stare aghast, then it might just be for you.
  • Glauco Poli
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great novel for new readers
    Reviewed in Italy on September 1, 2018
    Very nice novel with a touch of old fashion atmosphere, funny characters and nice story.

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