Johannes Cabal The Necromancer

By: Jonathan L. Howard

Narrated by: Christopher Cazenove

Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Johannes Cabal, a brilliant scientist and notorious snob, is single-mindedly obsessed in heart and soul with raising the dead. Well, perhaps not soul.... He hastily sold his years ago in order to learn the laws of necromancy. But now, tormented by a dark secret, he travels to the fiery pits of Hell to retrieve it. Satan, who is incredibly bored these days, proposes a little wager: Johannes has one year to persuade 100 people to sign over their souls, or he will be damned forever.

To make the bet even more interesting, Satan throws in that diabolical engine of deceit, seduction, and corruption known as a “traveling circus” to aid in the evil bidding. What better place exists to rob poor sad saps of their souls than the traveling carnivals historically run by hucksters and legendary con men?

With little time to lose, Johannes raises a motley crew from the dead and enlists his brother, Horst, a charismatic vampire, to be the carnival’s barker. On the road through the pastoral English countryside, this team of reprobates wields their black magic with masterful ease, resulting in mayhem at every turn.

©2009 Jonathan L. Howard (P)2009 Random House

A dark, sardonic delight

This is a captivating story, told with smirking snark in a smart, Victorian style. It has the feel of a Tim Burton movie, the wit of Terry Pratchett, and a rich, confident writing style. It's not flawless. It lags here and there. but it is very good.

Can’t get enough and sad there are no more

Tonight I’m listening to the series again for the fourth time in six months. I do not rewatch, reread or relisten to anything any sooner
than two (2) or three (3) years and only if I really like the show or book.

When I need a giggle or a lift to my day - this series is my GOTO. There is a change in narrators at book 3 or 4. Christopher is by far the better and represents the voice of Johannes Cabal - necromancer of some little infamy - to me. I wish there were more to the series. ::sigh:::

Just can’t get enough. I wish I could give this 1000 stars and thumbs up. Can you tell I love these stories?!?

If you appreciate snarky witticism - enjoy. All others - you may want to find something else.

An amazing story that will have you sucked in

I loved the fact that this book had its hooks in me from the start! The reader makes the telling fun and exciting.

Deathly entertaining

Howard has created some very memorable character in this unique story of morals on earth and below. A race against time, brotherly competition and love are all entertainingly intertwined. Listen deeply or on the surface...you'll find whatever you are looking for.

expect a fun and dark story; will not disappoint

I would like to be Johannes Cabal for Halloween. I will probably do it eventually

Not Pratchett or Adams but still good

I dunno if Jonathan L. Howard has read the Discworld books. If he hasn't he should because some of the jokes in this volume are too close to Pratchett's for comfort. Still, it's entertaining and the author definitely inserts enough of his own ideas to make it a very worthwhile listen. I think his next book will probably be more original and worth looking into.

Delicious to hear

The performance of Cazenove is superb. Black humor in every line.

Sadly is not as easy taking notes of some great frases like when reading a book.

Two thumbs up!

excellent book, a must read.

Johannes Cabal, necromancer of some little infamy. An excellent series following a complex and layered character through his trip of deeper damnation to get out of damnation.

Clever, witty, and cuttingly sarcastic Johannes will show just how far a man is willing to go for science, something else, as well as last and likely least, his soul.

A fine example of how one can be an absolute cold, clinical, unfeeling, bastard beyond all belief while attempting to do something for the good of mankind. At least possibly.

Excellent Listening of Excellent Writing.

...Who would have guessed?

Trains, demons, amusement parks, and the occasional familial arguement over morality and monstrosity, reading this book was a treat. Listening to it was the icing on top.

I'm usually picky and reclusive about the books I enjoy. This is one that I give exception to. it's worth telling people about it.

Jonathan L. Howard's writing is a pure delight to both read and listen to. This book, the start of four other unique and exciting tales of the necromancer Cabal and his experiments, including a series of short stories, are all highly underrated treasures.

Don't miss out.

Bradbury's Something Wicked by way of Gaiman

The story is like having Something Wicked This Way Comes turned on its side, it's intestines all wobbled about, and then put back together in the most demented way. The story is incredible well structured and the performance by Cazenove is superb. I would absolutely listen to more team ups of Jonathon L. Howard and Christopher Cazenove. “AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY”