Daemon
By Harry Shannon
Delirium Books (2008), $16.95

Harry Shannon has written a page turner with his new book Daemon. The plot involves a former clandestine group of military specialists who now work private security. The leader, Jeff Lehane, has seen a lot of things, experienced a lot of death and destruction, but he's never faced a foe like this one: A Ghoul that's out for revenge and has an unquenchable taste for human flesh.

The book includes some intense scenes for the discriminating fan of the genre. "'She was all in pieces, right? ... Well it looked like some of those pieces had bite marks.' 'Human teeth?' 'Not sure. But it looked like she'd been eaten.'" There's also suspense and action. "Lehane felt a strange, cold tension in his lower stomach. He grabbed his Glock and jogged behind the curtain ... 'Code Red, I think he's our shooter ...' Lehane was running full out, now ... he panted ... 'Heather, don't turn that fucking corner ... Christ ... What?' ... Lehane screamed."

Shannon comes from a Hollywood and entertainment industry background. He's been nominated for an Emmy, worked on big budget productions like Basic Instinct, and been in many executive positions in film and music. He's an author of numerous other books such as Night of the Beast, The Pressure of Darkness, and a suspense series featuring the character Nick Callahan.

With Daemon, he's done his homework. The story is filled with insights to the demonic world, especially those monsters that originate in the ancient Middle East. One of my favorite characters is Professor Kilani who is a walking encyclopedia of arcane knowledge. "The Jinn was unknown to the Greeks, who instead had the Daemon ... like the Jinn ... the good ones called Agatho-daemons and the bad ... Kako-daemons ... anyway if you're inclined read the Koran ... 15:27 .. learn that the Jinn are not of this earth ...".

There is also grotesquerie for the connoisseur of the horrible. Necrophilia, zombies, death, dismemberment, and desecration of bodies. Bodily fluids and organs spill forth of all types and at the most inconvenient times.

The narrative is crisp and dialogue driven which enhances the readers energy. If you're looking for a good summer read at the beach, or something to tide you over between the newest Hollywood horror releases, Shannon's book will do.

--Chris Perridas