SELECT * FROM uv_BookReviewRollup WHERE recordnum = 1424 The Chronicles of Jack Primus, by Michael Griffiths Book Review | SFReader.com

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The Chronicles of Jack Primus, by Michael Griffiths
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Publisher: Living Dead Press
Published: 2010
Review Posted: 3/24/2010
Reviewer Rating:
Reader Rating: Not Rated

The Chronicles of Jack Primus, by Michael Griffiths

Book Review by SJ Higbee

Have you read this book?

Beneath our everyday world lies another world, one where supernatural beings exist. These creatures of the night hunt us, want to feed on our very souls, though only a few know of their existence. Once such man is Jack Primus, who accidentally pierces the veil between this world and the next. With no other choice if he wants to live, he finds himself on the run, hunted by the Xemmoni, an ancient race that sees humans as cattle.

Jack didn't ask for this battle, but he will fight them with everything he has -- for to lose is a fate worse than death...

This dark fantasy, published by Living Dead Press, is Michael Griffiths' first book, featuring his protagonist Jack Primus. Those of you who regularly visit SFReader's Discussion Forums may be already familiar with this character... So this book, charting exactly how Jack gets himself entangled in dealing with the dark and nasty side of life may be of particular interest.

The opening chapters, where Jack is an orderly working in a mental hospital, give us a good insight into the character and work as an effective backdrop to the creepy goings-on... I liked the build-up of tension -- in fact, could have done with a bit more in this really strong setting. Because once it all starts kicking off, Jack is caught up in a series of adventures -- and there's no going back...

That Griffiths had a blast writing this book is apparent from the energy crackling off the pages, especially in the fight scenes. The highly effective cover on this book clearly depicts this lone fighter, struggling against the odds, with occasional help along the way. Griffiths' world gives more than a passing nod to H.P. Lovecraft and the ideas surrounding his Cthulhu Mythos -- that the element of the normal world in which we live is essentially a very thin layer. Those that can puncture that layer and battle with the evil beings that exist alongside us, feeding and debasing our finer instincts, become alienated from the rest of humanity, ultimately risking their sanity.

Particular fans of this strand of horror will find this an enjoyable romp. Jack's character is a blend of strength, vulnerability and humor, whose gentleness with mental patients really endeared him to me -- important in this kind of adventure when he is the mainstay of the book. It is a confident debut and Jack's fans everywhere will be looking forward to the next, action-filled installment.

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