Reviews

The Good Demon by Jimmy Cajoleas

aspieauthor's review against another edition

5.0

When I first read this book, I was going through a mild depression. I didn't know who I was anymore, and that made me even more sad and angry. I felt hopeless, alone, and vengeful. When I read the first few pages, I immediately didn't feel those depressing emotions anymore. It was a short-term break from my mental suffering, and I needed that severely. I felt like someone understood my pain, like Clair. She perfectly describes how depressed and frustrated she was when her demon was exorcised from her. Just like how myself was taken away from me.

I would have to thank Jimmy Cajoleas for writing this book.

This is my 3rd favorite book of all time! And it will stay that way forever!

lazygal's review against another edition

3.0

Is there such a thing as a good demon? Clare certainly thinks She is one, and the day She is banished (ok, exorcized) from Clare is the worst of Clare's life. Her search for a way to get this missing part back leads her through some incredibly weird pockets of her small Southern town (once known as a tourist spot and now, not so much) and pairs her with the son of the preacher who did the banishing. What will she give up or do to get Her back? The answer might surprise you.

Points lost for some obvious twists, including the drunken, mean stepfather.

ARC provided by publisher.

erincharp's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this. Imagine being possessed. Then imagine missing your demon when its gone. This is what happens to Clare, a girl who lives an otherwise normal life... save for her demon, the preacher's son, and the mysterious One Wish Man who may or may not exist. Oh, and also, some possible witches. It is unlike anything I've ever read and although I wanted more backstory and the ending felt a little rushed, I still loved it.

wordsareweapons's review against another edition

4.0

I really liked this book. It's definitely a unique take on possession. We meet Clare, who has just had her demon exorcised, and she is not happy about it. Clare and Her (the name Clare gave her demon) were best friends, and Her protected Clare. A pastor and his son come and get rid of the demon, which sets Clare off on a mission to find Her and get Her back. There's not necessarily a lot of action, but I enjoyed seeing how Clare functions and changes without her demon around. She uncovers witches, and evil plots along the way.

The writing is really well done. The author does a great job of showing Clare as she's changing, but also insights into how her life was with the demon. I enjoyed the different way of looking at how people connect to others and how relationships effect people through the relationship Clare has with her demon. Definitely recommend this book.

thedizzyreader's review against another edition

4.0

"But life was like that, wasn't it? You're happy, swimming along fine, and then all of a sudden terror swoops down like a hawk and yanks you up, right out of the water."

Clare didn't need rescuing from her demon, but the Reverend and his son came along and "saved" Clare anyway. Now she'll do anything to bring Her back. While Clare follows the clues that Her Only left behind, she discovers things she never knew: dark small town secrets, a deep inner strength, and maybe even something a little bit like love.

How to capture my feelings about this book? Honestly never read anything quite like it before. Loved the mix of supernatural and mystery. Sad, strange and surprising to the very end.

stiricide's review against another edition

1.0

Pro: I think this would make an excellent screenplay.
Con: In the same way things like Stigmata make excellent screenplays and are ultimately kind of terrible.

beckjimenez's review against another edition

2.0

somewhere between a 2.75 to 3 stars

saycheeze37's review against another edition

3.0

Really it's a 3-star for writing, but a 2-star for content. I'll explain. My 14 yr old son picked this up at the library and I wanted to see what he was reading. I was intrigued by the flap description so I started to read it and then I couldn't put it down. The first half was great, but the second half was a little too dark for me. Everyone has a different level of "dark," just know this book does have some strong language and adult themes. I would say this book is okay for 16+. For younger ages its not a no, but you may want to read and discuss together. I'm glad I read it so I can discuss the darker themes with my son.

evi_reads's review against another edition

3.0

this was fun! I have been trying to get into weird horror more and this hit the spot. I didn't love it as some character interactions and choices didn't sit right with me, but the vibes were fantastic and I liked the main character a lot

tw: gore, violence, animal death and cruelty (on page, graphic), sexual, physical and emotional abuse, parental neglect, substance abuse, mutilation, and more probably that i missed

ali_lauder's review against another edition

2.0

odd