Duck and Cover: At the Gates (Demon Squad 3) by Tim Marquitz

The next installment in the Demon Squad series, At the Gates, just got a new cover and below find a link to a free short story Tim has written as a precursor. This book will be a doozy, can't wait.

Later this month we will be exclusively hosting a chapter from At the Gates in preparation for the final release on December 1, 2011. I'll keep you posted. :)

The Blurb:

A revolt in Heaven, angels fighting angels. Who better to mediate a peaceful resolution than the Devil’s nephew, Frank “Triggaltheron” Trigg?

Don’t answer that.

When Scarlett arrives at his door, beaten to within an inch of her life, Frank finds himself in the middle of a war as the Nephilim arrive to finish the job. With only Eden still standing, the battle for Heaven spills over and ravages the Earth with deadly storms. Amidst the chaos, Frank must find a way to end the war before the battling hordes of half-breed angels, vampires, and lycanthropes reach Eden and bring about the end of existence.

No pressure.

Tim is warning people not to read the short story, Betrayal: A Demon Squad Story, unless you've read Armageddon Bound and Resurrection as it may spoil some things. Click on the link above to get to the short story download.

Review - Demon Squad: Armageddon Bound by Tim Marquitz

I first heard about Armageddon Bound by Tim Marquitz on SFFworld and through Fantasy Book Critic. Everything I read seemed to be really good and I have to say, I was not disappointed. I also happened to win an ebook copy from the author and then it was only a matter of time.

The cover threw me off at first glance; I both love it and think, is this Vice City or San Andreas. But really, you can't go wrong with guns and skulls.

The Setup

Frank "Triggaltheron" Tigg is just your average demon who also happens to be Lucifer's nephew. This worked well for him until God and Lucifer call it quits and get out of the game. To coin a phrase, all Hell proceeds to break lose.

In a world where demons dress and act like mobsters and angels have lost their purpose in life, the line is drawn between those who are for and against the coming of Armageddon. Frank and the DRAC team, made up of psychics, telepaths, and other supernatural beings, are doing everything in their power to stop the end of the world and keep the peace.

As the blurb on the back says, "Better luck next time, humanity."

My Take in Brief

Armageddon Bound is a hilarious Harry Dresden meets the movie Constantine (with Keanu Reeves). And that's pretty much what makes this novel so great; it never takes itself too seriously and there's always another bit of sarcasm around the corner (or should I say page).

Here's a bit of what I mean:

"I heard my nose snap and felt a warm gush explode from it. Lightning bolts of pain shot through my eyes and I flew backwards and landed in a heap. My head felt like used Jell-o.

"You figure it out."

And as Frank attempts to reason with a low-level demon,

"Baalth smiled so wide I could count his teeth. I stopped at five. I get bored easy."

These quick one-liners pop up right and left and I seriously couldn't get enough of them. Marquitz has a great sense of humor and it shows throughout. I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out because I'm lining up already.

The whole story is told in first person and Frank Tigg is a great companion to have. Frank goes from messy situation to messy situation, and keeps trucking even though he only sees himself as a constant screw up. I could really relate to him, and all the while he pushes through only to land in an even worse situation

When Should You Read This?

If you're in the mood for something light, that will keep you turning pages from the very first, Armageddon Bound is right up your alley. If you liked the Dresden Files, you will have a good time with this one as well.

Rating and Links

My Rating: 4/5 (Loved it, Get yourself a copy right now!)

Visit Tim Marquitz's website here.

Another Armageddon Bound review.

Armageddon Bound (2009) [US] [UK]