The Consuming: Demon Soul Saga

by Todd Boyer

Who Can Stop the Apocalypse?

Jack O'Conner is lost, alone in the world. A year after the tragic death of his soul mate, alcohol is his only companion. He spends his nights drinking, angry, blaming God for his misery. Jack seems to be an empty vessel full of bitterness...and he catches the eye of a small demon scout named Max, who is searching for a soul to be consumed by his partner, Ike. The two demons determine that Jack would make a good vessel, and the consuming of Jack O'Conner begins. But there is more to Jack than the demons bargained for, and soon after the consuming, Ike finds himself trapped in Jack's body, without the control he needs. Max realizes he must find answers to free his helpless best friend. On his own for the first time, Max must risk his life to traverse different realms, seeking guidance from other demons. While on this quest, Max learns about a warrior demon named Garrock, and his terrifying plan to overthrow Lucifer and start the Apocalypse. Many of Lucifer's lies are revealed to Max, including the surprising truth about Jesus. With a new perspective on the value of mankind, and in a last-ditch effort to save his friend Ike, Max befriends Jack. The future of the world lies in the unlikely hands of two demons, and the man they have conspired to possess, as the three of them must work together not only to free Ike, but to thwart Garrock's plans for the Apocalypse. An intelligent and inventive blend of science fiction and religion, The Consuming provides a unique viewpoint on good and evil, with imagery and characters you will remember long after you turn the final spellbinding page.

Todd Boyer began writing as a hobby, but now he writes both professionally and recreationally. He is currently working on sequels to The Consuming, as well as other projects. Todd and his wife, Angie, live in Indianapolis, IN. They have a dog named Scrappy, and they are expecting their first child.

Genres: Fantasy

230 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2011

Reviews

[Christopher Kokoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story full of constant action and sympathetic characters. The main character is, of all things, a fallen angel turned demon turned underdog hero. The author achieves the impossible of making the reader care for the demon as we follow his efforts to free his demon friend who is trapped inside a human! It's a fun, engaging read that I highly recommend!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Consuming
Author: Todd Boyer

Jack O’Conner doesn’t know it but his life and entire existence are about to change. Now, it is up to you to decide whether what happens to him are for the better or just a wake up call to recharge his life. You see, he just lost his wife in a serious accident on their wedding day His life is spiraling downhill and he’s feeling hopeless. Max is a demon scout and he has the solution. But, first you need to know how Max is and what he has planned for Jack. Max is not an ordinary man. Now, he is special. He is a demon and a follower of the Dark Lord. You heard me right he follows none other than Lucifer.

Angela, his wife died and Jack were seriously injured leaving him with a permanent limp while walking. Jack needed to find the answers and he felt God had let him down. Max works for Lucifer and has his own take on life’s truths but not quite the same as Jacks as you will find out. Perfect for his demon friend Ike to take over none other than Jack’s body.

Ike is a real life demon. You will find Ike in dark corners filled with gangs and thieves. Jerry Cline was Ike’s vessel of choice at this time. That means, he had taken over his body but now it was time to leave and move on to someone else. When Jerry got drunk and was about to be evicted from the bar where he was drinking, Ike realized he overstayed his welcome in Jerry’s body and before it was too late and the police arrive he needed to leave as he viewed him for the first time and poor Jerry would never be the same. Telling him about Lucifer and his deal with God and what he was allowed to do on earth would instill fear in anyone. Demons are allowed to manipulate humans but not kill them. Angels would not interfere for 1000 years unless the Demons went back on their word or breeched the contract. Let’s get this straight for the reader before I go on any further. Angels and Demons would no longer fight over the souls of mankind. Next, demons would be allowed to manipulate human lives in to test their faith and beliefs. God allowed this. Free Will. God feels that humans will prevail in the end. However, demons would disagree especially when humans were consumed.

Ike has been doing this for 1000 years too. Let me repeat that Max is his scout who chooses a vessel or human body for him to enter or consume. Trust and loyalty solidified their relationship. Now, Ike needed to move on. Meeting Max was next in order to discuss if he found someone for him to consume. Here is where Jack comes into the picture.

I hope you are following me. Jack could not deal with Angela’s death. Her voice lingers in his ears and mind every night. Angela haunted his dreams and was his life. Poor Jack seemed to have lost his faith. Ike and Max watched him as he slept and listened to his rants and raves as Ike began the consuming. Now, if you are waiting for Ike to ask Jack’s permission you will be waiting forever. Ike does not need his permission to consume him; he just does it because it appears that Jack has lost his faith and that is the primary criteria for being the perfect vessel.

Too late: Jack awakens feeling different and disoriented. He realizes he is no longer at home and finds himself in an empty white room cowering in the corner. Outside of this thoughts and mind is Ike ever present and excited upon the completion of the consuming. But, in the end would he be? Trying to be Jack Ike would learn some of life’s lessons too.

Max greeted Ike and together they talked about demons, their roles and much more. But, poor Ike was off and something did not seem right this time and Max was concerned. Ike too realized that something was not right but neither could figure out what.

A special event planned that evening at a local bar would further complicate both of the demon lives. Meeting one demon that was truly dangerous and not out for Max or Ike’s best interest was Sallick who had an agenda of his own. Sallick approached Ike and explained his plans for him if he agreed. The Apocalypse. Sallick being a demon did not see Jack’s form when Ike entered the bar. Both demons were able to identify each other and what was discussed will definitely brings chills down the reader’s spine and make you hesitate before you denounce your faith in God. Demons are smart and Sallick’s mission was to convince Ike to join forces to kill Lucifer. Garrock sent him. Garrock was their leader warrior and wanted to start the Apocalypse. Garrock might be a warrior demon but Ike was stronger and that is why he was needed to lead. All the compliments and fake niceties would not fool Ike into going against Lucifer. Sallick tried to convince Ike that Lucifer had secrets and hidden truths and that he new things about Jesus that others did not. Garrock wanted vengeance against Lucifer.

Jack is now awake in his new surroundings and although Max and Ike think he has denounced his faith in God and the Father he has not. This is back and not going to help Ike. Remember a prefect vessel is supposed to be faithless. Ike at the moment Jack declared his faith felt different and new something was wrong. Jack was back. Poor Ike. Let’s tally up: Jack One: Demons One: for now anyway.

Author Todd Boyer brings reader inside the world of demons, scouts and one unsuspecting mortal named Jack that would change the definition of “Consuming” for both Ike and Max. Next, the author flashes back to where it all began and how Max and Ike met, Ike’s mentor Michael and his celebrity. He describes the battles in the coliseum and why and how their friendship began and withstood the hands of many years and time. But, something in Max was off and while flashing back to the beginning you learn their back-story moving ahead to the present Max would learn of his friend’s unfortunate fate. While Max forces himself into the present he realizes that Jack has returned as Jack with two mortal friends. But, Max knew he needed to take immediate action even if he had to make a deal with not Lucifer the devil but another one named Sallick in order to help him free Ike from Jack’s body. Things are unsteady for Ike and Jack’s boy did not seem right? Listening to him and realizing that mortals cannot reclaim or retake control Max goes into action to safe his friend.


Once again our talented and creative author brings to light many important issues dealing with faith, loyalty, friendship and trust not just between humans but demons too. Just how far will Max go to protect and free Ike? Will Jack play a knowing role in this and be made aware of what happened? What happens if he learns the truth and finds out he was consumed by a demon? What about his mortal friends and his mortal being? Ike was stuck inside Jack? What is next for them both depends on Max?

Imagine visiting both Heaven and Hell. Imagine being the center of a plot to destroy one and create another even worse. Jack felt not control over his life as he explains it to Pastor Brightly and the reader hears his voice and his words as he describes the beauty of Heaven and the world around him and the horrors of Hell and the visions, demons and beasts that are within it. Jack beings to understand the horrors of Hell and the wonders of life. But, what Max is about to witness you will not believe, as the lies told about Jesus will be revealed and the truths will be witnessed. Max hears the cries of Jesus nailed to the cross and what he learns and sees next will forever change him as he watches him rise and sees him. When Jesus speaks to Max and explains why he has returned and is there he explains he is and why he is there to him. Then, Max learns a hard truth and a wonderful lesson as Jesus explains that the reason for his banishment but that God will redeem and guide him when needed. There is much more but you need to read and experience it for yourself and hear his words as he speaks to Max.

What new gifts were bestowed on Max and why? Ike must find the light on his own path. But, the author takes the reader, Jack, Ike and Max on the same journey and we all hear the voice of Jesus, read the same passages in the Bible and what everyone learns might not be the same but it will renew your faith in God and help each one understand the meaning of what he is trying to say and much more. So, how will this help free Ike or will it? What is the significance of the faith stone that Jack carries with him? Where did it come from and why is it important? Ike and Jack became one and Jack began to revisit Ike’s life in the coliseum, his banishment and his experiences with Jesus and Gabriel. Their thoughts intertwined as one. But, when Sallick approaches Max and says Garrock might have the solution to freeing Ike was it really a solution or a set up to lure him into his scheme against Lucifer. An ending that is quite different than you would expect and two demons who learn some of life’s human lessons as well. Does Garrock win out or does Lucifer? Will Ike be free or will Jack die? What happens when two demons and one human team up you won’t believe or maybe you should. Faith is what it is really about. What is Garrock’s fate and will he defeat Ike? The ending you won’t expect and what is next for these demons you will have to wait until the author writes part two of the Consuming. Just who am I that has narrated some of these events and will state that you should definitely read this amazing debut novel by Todd Boyer: That too remains a secret that I cannot reveal or you decide for yourself.

Fran Lewis is the reviewer: This book gets FIVE WHITE LIGHTS

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Consuming is the first book in the Demon Soul Saga by Todd Boyer, and lays the ground work for what could be very interesting series. For those who love their Bible lore this book will feed your habit. This novel fits nicely within the fantasy genre, and brings with it a new twist to Angels and Demons and their battle of good and evil. The author takes us to the depths of hell and looks into the heart of a demon and brings new light to the fallen.

The book follows two demons Ike and Max, a unique friendship who are on the earthly plane living and existing as Ike “consumes” humans in order to walk around unnoticed. Used to wreaking havoc with the people’s lives he chooses as vessels, Ike soon discovers himself trapped inside “Jack” who they believed to without faith. Much to his surprise Jack has rediscovered his faith which enables him to take back control from Ike. Max a fellow demon and Ike’s best friend does whatever he can to rescue Ike. In his attempt to help Ike he soon discovers a plan set into motion by forces that are larger than then all as the war Heaven and Hell gets nasty. Here is where we see the most unlikely of heroes as Jack, Max & Ike team to save the world and restore the balance between Heaven and Hell.

The few chapters of the book started off a bit choppy and it felt like I was stopping and starting but after giving it more time the author really started to settle into his story and it started to flow. I think this was all down to the author’s indecision on how bad his demons were going to be. I feel with a bit of editing in the beginning it will blend nicely with the rest of the book. The book moved at a fairly fast pace moving between characters as this is the first in the series the author did a great job of laying the foundations of the story as well as slowly introducing the characters in a way that by the end of the book you can’t help but be in their corner.

I felt as I read that Max was the one character that really stands out as his character is developed as the story progresses and leaving Ike and Jack as supporting characters and not fully developed to their potential. I am not sure this is what the author intended but from my reading perspective Max truly was the star of this book. Though I would like to mention that the character of Lucifer was really well written, he was regal, dark, a bit twisted and arrogant and I loved the author’s interpretation of the King of Hell.

The common theme of storyline is about friendship, loyalty and faith. There were several different plot lines within the story and the author leaves a few loose ends which I am sure will be tied up in the next installment of the Demon Saga. All in all this was an easy read and suitable for most ages.

I will mention that this book does have quite a bit of biblical lore at first seemed a bit preachy but as I continued to read I understood why it is after all a book about faith. Most times books with religious content the authors can go overboard in lore or back history but the author does a really good job of keeping it light while giving you really good information about the story. I loved the fantasy aspect of this book and the author’s descriptions brought the realms of Angels and Demons to life and really add extra layers to the story as I was able to visualise the scenes in my head. Though I felt it was a bit on the tame side, but that is my own personal opinion for I love my dark gritty books.

So if you are in the mood for inspiring easy read this one is for you! With that said I give this book 3.5 Stars.

Reviewed for DarkissReads. www.darkissreads.com

[Jan Marie Newby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received The Consuming from Bostick Communications and did not know exactly what to expect, which is always an adventure in itself. From the very first page, I was happily engrossed in the plot and the characters. Had anyone ever told me that I would read a book about a couple of demons and actually grow to like them, I would have declared them non compos mentis (which is a polite way of saying they are crazy). But, I did indeed grow to like Max and Ike, a couple of reluctant demons who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and, consequently, were thrown out of Heaven along with Lucifer and his allies.

Max, in particular, is a quirky little guy, fiercely loyal to his partner Ike and determined to rescue him from his predicament. In the process of attempting to rescue Ike, Max learns of the plot to overthrow Lucifer and instigate the Apocalypse. Max then sets off, with the dubious assistance of Jack O'Connor, to save the world.

The Consuming is a fun read and, while the plot is obviously a work of fantasy, it is not beyond the realm of the impossible that God could actually employ a couple of demons to fulfill His divine will. After all, we read in the Bible of many unique and unusual methods that God used to communicate with his creation in order to achieve His goals, so could it not be possible too that God could use a couple of demons?

The only thing that I would mention that somewhat distracted me and occasionally pulled me from the story is the fact that there were numerous grammatical and punctuation errors; errors that would have made the book much stronger had they been corrected prior to publishing. If this is not an issue that bothers you, then you will be able to enjoy the story without the distractions that I experienced. The editing issue is the only factor that kept me from giving this book a five-star rating. I wish it were possible to give four and a half stars because that would be closer to reality than a simple four-star rating.

No matter whether the story is plausible, or even possible, Mr. Boyer has crafted a delightful tale and one that has strong characters who keep the story moving to a satisfying finale. He has nicely set the stage for subsequent books about the adventures of these unlikely heroes and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. For a fun and entertaining, yet thought-provoking adventure, I highly recommend The Consuming for your reading pleasure.

Note: I received this book from Bostick Communications in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. No additional compensation was given.

[Allizabeth Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Description:

Jack O'Conner has dealt with his fair share of figurative demons - death, loss, and alcohol - but what happens when an actual demon decides to possess Jack's bitter soul and have a little fun? Well, not what demons Ike and Max thought would happen. Instead of consuming Jack's soul and taking control, Ike gets trapped inside and must rely on Max to somehow release him. Unfortunately, no one on Earth seems to know how, so Max must cross into another realm and find a demon who can help. But after hearing about Garrock, a warrior demon, and his plan to get rid of Lucifer in order to start the Apocalypse, Max and Ike must work together with Jack in order to free Ike and try to save the world.

Review:

I started reading at 9:30pm and couldn't put it down until 12:45am when I finished the last page! This fast-paced christian-based fantasy adventure consumed my entire attention and kept me on edge. I didn't know what to expect from a book sporting an "Exorcist-like" illustration on the cover, but I am glad I didn't judge too quickly. The Consuming is shockingly intriguing, and full of fun, feisty, and well-developed characters woven into a sinuously twisted plot. I loved the way Max and Ike were portrayed and the striking personalities they had; the demons were almost humanized, but still retained their demonic and otherworldly persona. The story-line kept me guessing and the dialogue fit the situations perfectly, it wasn't forced. Todd Boyer has a writing style that keeps the reader interested and ready for more. I will definitely be looking out for sequels! I recommend The Consuming for lovers of all genres because there's something in it for everyone: horror, fantasy, religion, drama, and humor.

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from the author (Bostick Communications) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t let the genre “Christian Fiction” throw you off. This will appeal to both Christians and non-christians. This was interesting. What would happen if a demon were “trapped” in a human body while they tried to possess it? This is what happens to the demon Ike in this story. To make it interesting Max, another demon, decides to save his demon friend. It is during his mission to help his friend that he learns about a demon named Garrock. Garrock is a warrior and is making plans to do away with Lucifer and bring on the apocalypse. It was at this point my mind started racing. As a Christian I kept thinking, “wow, I wonder how Lucifer would feel having the tables turned on him?” To stop Garrock, Max has to become friends with Jack, the possessed man. Then the three of them must stand together to try to stop Garrock. I let my mother read this first. She didn’t like it. When I asked her why she said it was to much fantasy for her. I knew then that I was going to love this. Anytime you can mix all the genres I love together we have a win-win situation. I was right. I did love it.
I also loved when the demon’s eyes were opened to the truth. There is so much to love here on so many levels. The characters were well thought out. For me the story flowed so smoothly it kept me reading from beginning to end. This is a must read for all fantasy, thriller, suspense lovers out there. I guarantee you there is something for everyone in this book. This is just the first book. I can hardly wait for the second one to come out.

[Shawna Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

@TBoyer317 First of all, I really love the cover of this book!

The story reminded me of many Bible stories I'd read as a kid. At first, I really didn't like the narration and felt like the narrator was telling too much and not letting me experience the story firsthand. Once I realized that this style was similar to Bible stories, I was OK with it.

Powerful setup for a series. The story has a moral bent and the readers who will really love this story will probably be turned away by the cover!!!

Looking forward to seeing what happens next to Max (my favorite), Ike and Jack.

[Freddy Fly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth a read