The powerful Lord Sargatanas, Brigadier-general in Beelzebub’s host, is restless. For millennia Sargatanas has ruled dutifully over an Infernal metropolis, but he has never forgotten what he lost in the Fall. He is sickened by what he has done and what he has become. Now, with a small event—a confrontation with a damned soul—he makes a decision that will reverberate through every being in Hell. Sargatanas decides to attempt the impossible, to rebel, to win his way Home and bring with him anyone who chooses to follow...be they demon or soul.
He will stake everything on fighting all the abominable forces of Hell arrayed against him, when the prize is nothing less than redemption.
God's Demon
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Best known for extraordinarily imaginative fantasy art, Barlowe (Barlowe's Guide to Extraterrestrials) now sets his talents to writing equally compelling speculative fiction. Inspired by Paradise Lost, Barlowe conjures up the creatures who sided with Lucifer and were ejected from heaven, thrown down into Hell to become freakishly mangled demons. After innumerable eons of exile, the demon Sargatanas has started to dream of being reunited with God. Sargatanas amasses an army to aid him in overthrowing Lucifer's regent, Beelzebub, in an attempt to catch God's eye. In a flash of inspiration, Sargatanas adds human souls to his army, under the direction of Hannibal. Together, human sinners and once-rebellious demons unite to vanquish Beelzebub in an all-out war. Barlowe's interpretation is not for the squeamish, with its horrifically explicit descriptions of demonic behavior, but it's a compelling view of Hell and of a demon who seeks redemption. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
Praise for God's Demon:
“Fascinating.”
—Guillermo del Toro, Director of Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth
“Scary stuff? Maybe. Gross and hideous and disgusting? Now and then. There’s also hope and loyalty and internecine plotting—politics as usual and unusual….Hopes, fears, escapes, affections, acceptances all roil in the ashy smokes above and around the characters.”
--The San Diego Union-Tribune
"A fascinating novel that will ring true to anyone who has ever hoped for forgiveness."
--Booklist (Starred Review)
“A fierce and stout narrative that echoes certain other fantasy classics even more so than it does the canonical authors Milton and Dante, while retaining a splendid novelty of conception….given all these inflowing currents into the mighty river of Barlowe's own imagination, the book attains a weighty magnificence.”
--SciFi.com
"Hell's denizens struggle for redemption in this evocative epic fantasy . . . [Barlowe] succeeds; at some points, his depictions of both the grandeur and the horror of Hell even surpass his original paintings and drawings . . . a vivid travelogue of a place we'd all like to avoid."
--Kirkus Reviews
"Best known for extraordinarily imaginative fantasy art, Barlowe now sets his talents to writing equally compelling speculative fiction . . . a compelling view of Hell and of a demon who seeks redemption."
--Publishers Weekly
"An electrifying, chilling trip through the netherworld. The landscape is so well depicted, you can smell the brimstone and feel the despair."
--Romantic Times BOOKreviews (A Top Pick)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By G. Gonzales
Format:Hardcover
Let me first say that like Mr. Barlowe I am also a fan of John Milton's masterpiece Paradise Lost. I read Paradise Lost for the first time a few years ago and it instantly became my favorite piece of literature.
God's Demon is a fictional story inspired by Paradise Lost. It involves a high ranking fallen angel in hell who decides to struggle for redemption after many millennia of exile away from "the Above."
One must not assume, however, that the ideas in God's Demon are necessarily in line with Paradise Lost. For example, one of the ideas brought across by Milton in Paradise Lost was that "devil with devil firm concord holds," meaning that fallen angels do not fight amongst themselves. In God's Demon the fallen angels, from the beginning, set up fiefdoms in hell and are constantly warring with one another to enlarge their domains. Of course this is also not in line with Biblical ideas, as Christ once said that "if Satan were divided against Satan, his kingdom could not stand." This is just one of a number of incongruencies between God's Demon and Paradise Lost.
That said, anyone interested in a story that involves supernatural forces of good and evil owes it to themselves to read this book. As I see it, the best fantasy and sci-fi works explore one of the most important questions in the history of human philosophy: WHAT IF? In God's Demon Barlowe does an exemplary job of considering the implications of a fallen angel who truly repents for having followed Lucifer in his rebellion against heaven.
There's a lot I want to say after having just finished reading this book, but I'll just share what amazes me most about God's Demon. This book is extremely powerful emotionally. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes in the scene where the character Lilith sees Lord Sargatanas's heavanly murals for the first time. That scene does indeed evoke a sense of divine beauty.
Anyway, to sum it up this is definitely a book worth reading by anyone who is into fantasy fiction. It has vivid descriptions of a hellish landscape, it has suspence, it has romance, and it has some phenomenal action scenes. I highly recommend it.
God's Demon is a fictional story inspired by Paradise Lost. It involves a high ranking fallen angel in hell who decides to struggle for redemption after many millennia of exile away from "the Above."
One must not assume, however, that the ideas in God's Demon are necessarily in line with Paradise Lost. For example, one of the ideas brought across by Milton in Paradise Lost was that "devil with devil firm concord holds," meaning that fallen angels do not fight amongst themselves. In God's Demon the fallen angels, from the beginning, set up fiefdoms in hell and are constantly warring with one another to enlarge their domains. Of course this is also not in line with Biblical ideas, as Christ once said that "if Satan were divided against Satan, his kingdom could not stand." This is just one of a number of incongruencies between God's Demon and Paradise Lost.
That said, anyone interested in a story that involves supernatural forces of good and evil owes it to themselves to read this book. As I see it, the best fantasy and sci-fi works explore one of the most important questions in the history of human philosophy: WHAT IF? In God's Demon Barlowe does an exemplary job of considering the implications of a fallen angel who truly repents for having followed Lucifer in his rebellion against heaven.
There's a lot I want to say after having just finished reading this book, but I'll just share what amazes me most about God's Demon. This book is extremely powerful emotionally. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes in the scene where the character Lilith sees Lord Sargatanas's heavanly murals for the first time. That scene does indeed evoke a sense of divine beauty.
Anyway, to sum it up this is definitely a book worth reading by anyone who is into fantasy fiction. It has vivid descriptions of a hellish landscape, it has suspence, it has romance, and it has some phenomenal action scenes. I highly recommend it.
23 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Outstanding. Truly, truly outstanding.
I will preface this review by admitting a bias. I have a certain penchant for the subject matter, having been fascinated by Dante, Milton, and others who have dealt with Hell before. Given that, I can say with confidence that this is the most "personal" treatment of Hell that I've ever read.
Barlowe captures the essence of supreme sorrow that most typifies what I envision to be the greatest anguish in Hell. By humanizing the protagonist (a Demon) to a certain extent, Barlowe allows the reader to share in the sense of loss and pain that came with the Fall. Nevertheless, Barlowe is eloquent enough with his text that the "alien" nature of the characters is never lost.
There are very few flaws in the work (and I reviewed an Advance Review Copy, so some of them may have been altered in the production release), but I will try to touch on them.
The timeline of the piece can be a bit confusing at times, with the passage of time too often going unsaid (or, at best, loosely implied). Now, it may well be unfair of me to make that statement, as it is true that there is the notion that time itself (at least to the Damned) becomes meaningless in Hell... and Eternity is more than just a "very long time"... Still, as a reader, reading a book with a plot, there were times that I felt that I'd "missed" something and had to flip back (sometimes several chapters) to double-check the timing of an event or discussion. That said, the immersive nature of the narration far outweighs any minor inconvenience in being momentarily confused.
There are many characters, of major importance to the plot that have "similar" names. Again, in all fairness, the nature of the characters requires a certain creativity in naming... but as a reader, sometimes I found myself having to remind myself which demon was which... particularly the ones whose names start with the letter 'A'.
There is a "reveal" at one stage in the novel that, while certainly not obviously telegraphed, was not quite the surprise to me that I felt it ought to be. I do not wish to spoil the plot for the readers, but it revolves around a main character and his/her past. That said, the fact that it wasn't a surprise did not spoil the PLOT any nor ruin my overall enjoyment of the work. I almost feel silly for complaining about it... in fact, it's not even really a "fault" in the work.
Lastly, I did find that there were times when the text seems to take for granted that the reader has specific knowledge of the history/culture/mechanics of Hell that I do not feel are adequately set out beforehand. I understand that this is actually a legitimate literary technique and (to a certain extent) is even REQUIRED by the frame tale of the narration, but it still can be a bit jarring when the reader is forced to read several pages without fully understanding what is happening until later. I think that this might be somewhat obviated by perusing Barlowe's "sister" works Inferno and Brushfire, which deal with similar subject matter, but I did not do so prior to reading the novel.
Regardless of the fact that I've taken up the bulk of the review by discussing flaws in the novel, I've given the work 5 stars. I feel that there are few works in human history that are without any flaws, and the minor flaws here are WELL outweighed by the beautiful and moving text. Barlowe has really created something special in this novel. I hesitate to call it a "masterpiece"... only history should make that judgment. I do not, however, hesitate in saying that the Commedia and Paradise Lost find themselves in excellent company with God's Demon.
I will preface this review by admitting a bias. I have a certain penchant for the subject matter, having been fascinated by Dante, Milton, and others who have dealt with Hell before. Given that, I can say with confidence that this is the most "personal" treatment of Hell that I've ever read.
Barlowe captures the essence of supreme sorrow that most typifies what I envision to be the greatest anguish in Hell. By humanizing the protagonist (a Demon) to a certain extent, Barlowe allows the reader to share in the sense of loss and pain that came with the Fall. Nevertheless, Barlowe is eloquent enough with his text that the "alien" nature of the characters is never lost.
There are very few flaws in the work (and I reviewed an Advance Review Copy, so some of them may have been altered in the production release), but I will try to touch on them.
The timeline of the piece can be a bit confusing at times, with the passage of time too often going unsaid (or, at best, loosely implied). Now, it may well be unfair of me to make that statement, as it is true that there is the notion that time itself (at least to the Damned) becomes meaningless in Hell... and Eternity is more than just a "very long time"... Still, as a reader, reading a book with a plot, there were times that I felt that I'd "missed" something and had to flip back (sometimes several chapters) to double-check the timing of an event or discussion. That said, the immersive nature of the narration far outweighs any minor inconvenience in being momentarily confused.
There are many characters, of major importance to the plot that have "similar" names. Again, in all fairness, the nature of the characters requires a certain creativity in naming... but as a reader, sometimes I found myself having to remind myself which demon was which... particularly the ones whose names start with the letter 'A'.
There is a "reveal" at one stage in the novel that, while certainly not obviously telegraphed, was not quite the surprise to me that I felt it ought to be. I do not wish to spoil the plot for the readers, but it revolves around a main character and his/her past. That said, the fact that it wasn't a surprise did not spoil the PLOT any nor ruin my overall enjoyment of the work. I almost feel silly for complaining about it... in fact, it's not even really a "fault" in the work.
Lastly, I did find that there were times when the text seems to take for granted that the reader has specific knowledge of the history/culture/mechanics of Hell that I do not feel are adequately set out beforehand. I understand that this is actually a legitimate literary technique and (to a certain extent) is even REQUIRED by the frame tale of the narration, but it still can be a bit jarring when the reader is forced to read several pages without fully understanding what is happening until later. I think that this might be somewhat obviated by perusing Barlowe's "sister" works Inferno and Brushfire, which deal with similar subject matter, but I did not do so prior to reading the novel.
Regardless of the fact that I've taken up the bulk of the review by discussing flaws in the novel, I've given the work 5 stars. I feel that there are few works in human history that are without any flaws, and the minor flaws here are WELL outweighed by the beautiful and moving text. Barlowe has really created something special in this novel. I hesitate to call it a "masterpiece"... only history should make that judgment. I do not, however, hesitate in saying that the Commedia and Paradise Lost find themselves in excellent company with God's Demon.
14 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By A. Lee
Format:Hardcover
Let's face it, there is an inherent fascination and curiosity about the afterlife, particularly Hell and it's Eternal Damnation, the rivers of fire, the torture of the souls... It's always been a popular hit in the past, what with Dante's _Inferno_, Milton's "Paradise Lost"... And visually, I know I can remember details from Hieronymus Bosch's hell panel better than his depiction of Paradise.
So here we have almost a classical portrayal of Hell, replete with fallen Seraphim, now Greater Demons, lording it over the lesser demons and using souls as bricks for buildings or pieces of clothing or flayed skin for decoration--their torment almost negligible, just a part of everyday life in Hell.
And it is only natural to wonder if those who have once lived in Heaven ever have regret over that disastrous War, ever think of going beyond their role as the Punished and the Punisher, the Eternally Damned Lords of the Damned? Aren't such thoughts, dreams, hopeless? There is no Hope in Hell.
Yet, Sargatanas, one of the great Lords of Hell, still hopes and dreams. He has gone beyond despair and resignation and decides upon action--to dare another War, hoping it is not as doomed for him and his followers as was the one led by Lucifer in Heaven.
Barlowe's Hell is pretty much as you would expect. It is horrific, but mundane even in it's grandiosity. The denizens are also what you would expect-- Beelzebub, the Lord of Flies, rules in the absence of Lucifer (which was unexpected, but makes sense... Lucifer has a gorgeousness and dark nobility that is almost Sargatanas' role in this tale; Beelzebub is gross and nasty and a suitable Demon Lord to despise and hate as an antagonist). There is an emotional distance to the writing that oddly suits the tone of this story--how much can you really care for the Damned, after all? The driving question is, of course, will Sargatanas have a hope in hell of succeeding? Does the Divine forgive the Unforgivable??? THAT is not at all in any tales, cannon or no. So much here is as expected, and yet, there's that fascination, still.
So here we have almost a classical portrayal of Hell, replete with fallen Seraphim, now Greater Demons, lording it over the lesser demons and using souls as bricks for buildings or pieces of clothing or flayed skin for decoration--their torment almost negligible, just a part of everyday life in Hell.
And it is only natural to wonder if those who have once lived in Heaven ever have regret over that disastrous War, ever think of going beyond their role as the Punished and the Punisher, the Eternally Damned Lords of the Damned? Aren't such thoughts, dreams, hopeless? There is no Hope in Hell.
Yet, Sargatanas, one of the great Lords of Hell, still hopes and dreams. He has gone beyond despair and resignation and decides upon action--to dare another War, hoping it is not as doomed for him and his followers as was the one led by Lucifer in Heaven.
Barlowe's Hell is pretty much as you would expect. It is horrific, but mundane even in it's grandiosity. The denizens are also what you would expect-- Beelzebub, the Lord of Flies, rules in the absence of Lucifer (which was unexpected, but makes sense... Lucifer has a gorgeousness and dark nobility that is almost Sargatanas' role in this tale; Beelzebub is gross and nasty and a suitable Demon Lord to despise and hate as an antagonist). There is an emotional distance to the writing that oddly suits the tone of this story--how much can you really care for the Damned, after all? The driving question is, of course, will Sargatanas have a hope in hell of succeeding? Does the Divine forgive the Unforgivable??? THAT is not at all in any tales, cannon or no. So much here is as expected, and yet, there's that fascination, still.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow. Just.... wow.
"When we unsheathe our weapons let us we remember the angels we once were but fight like the demons we are! Read more
Published 1 month ago by mnemosyne
4.0 out of 5 stars
And now, for something rather different
This book does something fascinating. In recent years, writing stories about morally-questionable to outright dreadful angels has progressed to the point of being fashionable (so... Read more
Published 3 months ago by John C. Fay
5.0 out of 5 stars
This has become of my favorite fantasy stories ever.
Mr. Barlowe, being an artist, creates a tremendous visual picture of what he feels Hell looks like throughout his story. Read more
Published 4 months ago by M. Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story of hope and redemption
The story is well written and I found myself caring for the characters. This is a great story of redemption, can even the fallen angels in Hell ever hope to earn their way back... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Floyd Lawrence
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Read
I really found myself enjoying this book; while it seemed to drag a bit toward the end, the overall story was very good. Read more
Published 6 months ago by DaveinNC
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good could have been great
The premise of this book was great. It has about everything I can ask for in a book about hell. But, I felt a little let down. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Spartan2715
4.0 out of 5 stars
Review from [...]
Are the demons of hell as worthy of a chance at redemption as a human? Are the souls already cast into hell deserving of a second chance to atone for their sins? Read more
Published 19 months ago by Ria Bridges
1.0 out of 5 stars
The Gods of Hell are NOTHING like the book.
Since becoming a Spiritual Satanist, (for about 16 months now) I have been gently corrected and led to understand that the "Demons" are in fact pagan Gods of the various pantheons:... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Christina Pang
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredibly detailed, vivid, and modern story of redemption in the...
God's Demon by Wayne Barlowe is one of the most entertaining reads I've had this year. I have been a fan of his art for years, but I never thought he published prose. Read more
Published 23 months ago by sieg6529
4.0 out of 5 stars
Demonic mythos on an unparalleled level.
After reading the reviews on this text and finding myself still entranced by the mythos and characters, I must review God's Demon. Read more
Published on February 20, 2011 by R. Wells
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