Damoren

Valducan, Book 1

By: Seth Skorkowsky

Narrated by: R.C. Bray

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's Summary

In the same vein as Supernatural, Hellboy, and Blade

A secret society of monster hunters. A holy revolver forged to eradicate demons. A possessed man with a tragic past. A rising evil bent on destroying them all.

Matt Hollis is the current wielder of the holy weapon, DÄMOREN. With it, he stalks and destroys demons. A secret society called the VALDUCANS has taken an interest in Matt's activities. They see him as a reckless rogue - little more than a "cowboy" corrupted by a monster - and a potential threat to their ancient order.

As knights and their sentient weapons begin dying, Matt teams up with other hunters of his kind such as LUIZA, a woman with a conquistador blade; ALLAN, an Englishman with an Egyptian khopesh; MALCOLM, a voodoo priest with a sanctified machete; and TAKAIRA, a naginata-swinging Samurai. As the hunters become the hunted, they must learn to trust one another before a powerful demonic entity thrusts the world into a terrible and ageless darkness.

©2014 Seth Skorkowsky (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Narrator R.C. Bray delivers delicious doom in Skorkowsky's series opener.... Bray's distinctive voice complements Skorkowsky's battle-hardened warriors." ( AudioFile)

The Expendables meets Monster Squad

What made the experience of listening to Damoren the most enjoyable?

This was a solid book on all counts. The pacing was just right, it never felt that the story was languishing at any point - it always felt like the characters were moving towards a clear goal and there was always a sense of urgency.

Character development was handled skillfully as well. There are a LOT of characters in this book since we're dealing with effectively, an entire secret order of demon hunters. Add to that each of these hunters possesses a holy demon-killing weapon which is also, in and of itself, a character. Naturally, it can be difficult to progress and develop personalities within this large "cast" without feeling like you're getting bogged down with exposition. However, without getting into a lot of backstory on each individual - we are still able to learn about each character through their interactions with each other and with their environment.

I'm a sucker for good world-building, and myth-creation and I think Seth Skorkowsky does a fantastic job on both counts. The locales are easily visualized, and feel real and fleshed-out. The mythology surrounding the supernatural elements was an interesting twist on explaining the existence of monsters.

The action in this book is fantastic! The battle scenes are well-paced and fantastic fun to read. Major battle scenes play out pretty much as you'd expect if you were watching an R-Rated action or horror film - read: it gets pretty graphic at times. So if you're not a fan of that stuff, then this book may not be for you - but I am, so five stars all around from me!

Finally, R.C. Bray is fast becoming one of my favorite narrators on Audible. The guy has a pretty good range, and does a decent job of inhabiting the different characters (although sometimes his accents can be a little unconvincing). Also, his deadpan delivery of some of the funnier lines and observations from characters injects some extra levity throughout the story.

What other book might you compare Damoren to and why?

This is the first book I've read in the urban fantasy genre, so I can't compare it to any other books.

That said, the story, pacing, and mythology in Damoren were similar to that of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Hellboy, and even League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

What does R. C. Bray bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Honestly I don't know. At this point I pretty much just read books in "his voice" in my head now.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely.

Any additional comments?

The main character has an old-world pistol with the blade of a holy sword affixed to the barrel.

If you think that image alone is even a little bit awesome - then you need to read this book.

Fantastic!

Would you listen to Damoren again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to it again because the story is very intricate, layered, and I know I will get more out of it each time.

What did you like best about this story?

It was so unique. I thought it was going to be like Supernatural, but it wasn't at all. It was a completely different dynamic.

Have you listened to any of R. C. Bray’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I hadn't heard him before, but I liked him very much. His characterizations were extremely well done.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I prefer to listen to audio books in my car and over several days/weeks time. It gives me a chance to go back and listen to chapters over again, if I think I missed something.

Any additional comments?

By far one of the best 'debut' novels I have heard or read in a very long time.

Demon beware!

What made the experience of listening to Damoren the most enjoyable?

Damoren is a rare treat, a wonderful sword-swinging story with a well-chosen narrator who never gets in the way of the words, but delivers a really solid performance of a book that needs little embellishment, only clarity and grace in delivery.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matt Hollis, who is the guy who's carrying the sword DAMOREN from the title, is the hero, and rightfully so -- a bit flawed, a bit of a daredevil, he's not a member of the Valducan elite in good standing, which makes him even more fun to root for. Of course, you can always root for the knights' sentient weapons...

What about R. C. Bray’s performance did you like?

This narrator, R. C. Bray, voiced every character, from the Englishman to Luiza, the lady with a sword, and even the samurai and voodoo priest, distinctly, making each one memorable. A fine performance.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Demons beware! Five swords know your name...

Damoren was a really good read!

This book surprised me I didn't expected it to be as good as it was. This book will pull you in from the beginning and not let you go tell the end. I don't often write reviews but I wanted to give it four and a half stars but couldn't from my phone. I'm a truck driver that runs over night and enjoy my books on the road. This book kept me going the entire 10 hour hale.

Wasn't what I expected

If you could sum up Damoren in three words, what would they be?

Unique, action packed, a good listen.

What other book might you compare Damoren to and why?

I compared it a lot to Monster Hunter Inc. but it's a lot better than that.

What about R. C. Bray’s performance did you like?

He did a pretty solid job in the voice acting. Though his girl impersonation is a little poor, not bad though.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Kind of, I usually listen to it during my 8 hour shift.

Any additional comments?

I'm looking forward to the next book, the ending really got me intrigued about the origins of the weapons and all that fun stuff.

Better than expected!!!

This was a great book. I highly recomend it to anyone who likes books like Monster hunter inc.
I'm a picky reader and have lots of unfinished books in my library that i stoped listening to because thay were too generic or had logical holes. This book is solid from start to finish with good charakters and action. Unlike monster hunter inc I found this to be darker and less "Good guys win the day". No spoilers but no one is safe.
Can't wait to get the next book

An Action Movie in a Book

If you could sum up Damoren in three words, what would they be?

Captivating Suspenseful Intriguing

Who was your favorite character and why?

Matt

Which character – as performed by R. C. Bray – was your favorite?

Malcolm

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Weapons of the Demon Protector

Any additional comments?

Expertly narrated by RC Bray. I did not want to take a break from listening and now I can't wait for the rest of the series.

Damoren is the best book I've read this year

Would you listen to Damoren again? Why?

Absolutely. Damoren has an excellent flow to the story, and the characters are interesting and have good character arcs to follow and listen to again.

What did you like best about this story?

Malcolm Romero's character arc.

Which character – as performed by R. C. Bray – was your favorite?

Spencer/Matt Hollis

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I had the free time, I definitely would listen to the entire book in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

Excellent book, you should definitely read it/listen to it if you like the show Supernatural or The Dresden Files books.

Wonderful new series begins with a bang

Where does Damoren rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I'd rank Damoren in the top ten percent of all audio books I've heard: the combination of Skorkowsy's propulsive prose and Bray's delivery is a perfect match. The action never stops, yet the characters come through as individuals. Kudos for these two for a terrific collaboration on a gripping story that is the beginning of a series yet has a satisfying conclusion all its own.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Damoren?

I fell in love as soon as Matt Hollis, current wielder of the holy weapon, Damoren, was introduced. Matt and his fellow demon-stalkers makes a believer out of me. Matt, the reckless loose cannon that can slash his way through any opposition is masterfully drawn, and his enemies will make you cringe. Although normally I'm not a fan of named weapons, in this story, each special weapon has its job, and a unique personality wielding it.

Have you listened to any of R. C. Bray’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first audio-book I've heard that is narrated by R.C. Bray, and it won't be the last.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Bang goes the evil.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended for fans of paranormal adventure.

Not to shabby!

Great narration is something that is very important to me when choosing a book. This one has an awesome narration in R.C. Bray and the story is solid. It's not 5 stars but a solid 4 stars. I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

Lovely little find

I read that this book was like Supernatural (the TV show) and was sold. Didn't read the description properly, but did not care. This is a great book if you like this sort of thing.

Story. Bang on the money;
- Good strong characters.
- At times a little complicated to follow but I don't mind that.
- Well written
- a real wholesome story where you can tell the author has thought about everything fully.

Narration. Love RC bray, I think he's one of the best narrator's out there and was a strong added influence in me wanting to listen to this book. If you haven't heard anything he's read before check him out, I cannot recommend The Martian enough (film does not do the book justice - film is almost offensive).
However, I had to mark him down to a 4 star in this review as his English accent was the thing of nightmares. Being English myself I had to make a stand :).

All in all great book produced very well.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy / sifi / monsters.

Pulp fiction

As per usual verbal lullaby that is RC Bray makes an ok story eminently more listenable. There is nothing wrong with the story, it could use some character development, it is obviously setting up for a long money making chain of novels, but if you like TV like Supernatural you will enjoy it, if like me you enjoy RC Bray (and why wouldn't you he has the vocal range and ability that warms the soul to listen to) you will enjoy this. Just don't expect any awards for this book, just enjoy it's pulpy goodness.

Pretty damn amazing!

Story reminds me somewhat of the Devil May Cry games mixed in with historical occultism and great action! Quite enjoyable!

How have I missed this?!?!

I picked this up based on a recommendation by Devon C Ford.

When another author speaks - I would be a fool not to listen!!

Narrated by lord bray himself, the book follows the adventure of Matt - the owner of a holy revolver Damoren.

DONT HESITATE, JUST DOOO IT.

Phenomenal

This has to be one of the best kept secrets in recent years.
How have I never heard of this series?
Why isn’t everyone wearing Dämoren t-shirts?
How have I not seen this advertised on Netflix?
Seth Skorkowsky has created a deep, immersive and highly entertaining underworld to throw us headlong into.
This is urban fantasy at its finest. Every scene holds tension, every chapter promises or delivers action with anticipation building into a steamroller crescendo which results simply in the immediate purchase of book 2.

This book was over much too quickly.

I'll fetch the next one as soon as possible.
It does exactly what it should: fast paced urban fantasy at it's best!

Amazing and a must if you like a good series

If you like a good Human against Demon series this is a must.

RC Bray again hits it out the park!!

Epic

I got this book actually thinking it would be some sort of Sci fi story. Am I glad I came across it. The story is enthralling and for me at least unusual. The twists in the story are unexpected.
A well written book the first I have read from this author. I am even now listening to the first chapter of the next book in the series. To the author I give thanks for storytelling of this quality.

First book and a great series

I wasn’t sure about this book but so glad I picked it up. Very well thought out characters. And in Depth mythology when it come to the demons and monster gave it a nice touch. Now on to book 2

Good story, pity about the narrator

Would you try another book written by Seth Skorkowsky or narrated by R. C. Bray?

I have and feel the same way; good stories but let down by the narrator.

How could the performance have been better?

I know a lot of people rate R C Bray, and I bought this book on that basis, but I was sorely disappointed. I wonder how much of this is due to an annoying American accent (not all are), or whether it's because, prior to listening to this, I thoroughly enjoyed the Kingkiller Chronicles. Rupert Degas, narrator of the Chronicles, is utterly superb and R C Bray pales in comparison.

I almost switched this book off after just five minutes; R C Bray's reading made every word breathless and full of action, but with zero emotion and inflection; the opening scene became a blur of words. I also really struggled to tell characters apart, especially females, as all the voices are similar. Again, this could be because of the sterling characterisation and superlative voice acting by Rupert Degas.

I made the mistake of listening to the Black Raven books after this trilogy; voices were so similar across the books that I sometimes got them mixed up between the two series!

Any additional comments?

Seth Skorkowsky does write some good stories, and his books are definitely worth looking into, but perhaps read them, rather than listen.