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Every Time I Die
A fatal car accident leads to a terrifying transformation.
After dying in the accident, Alex Bates is given the chance to come back to life and make amends for his past mistakes as a husband and stepfather. But his second chance comes with a deadly he must become a killer.
As Alex struggles with his new reality, he realizes he has made a horrific deal with an entity that demands he commit brutal acts of murder. With each kill, Alex spirals deeper into darkness, haunted by his victims and the price he must pay for his family's safety.
As the body count rises, Alex must choose between his own soul and the lives of those he loves.
Will Alex be able to escape the grip of his demonic master before it's too late? Or will he be doomed to a life of eternal damnation?
After dying in the accident, Alex Bates is given the chance to come back to life and make amends for his past mistakes as a husband and stepfather. But his second chance comes with a deadly he must become a killer.
As Alex struggles with his new reality, he realizes he has made a horrific deal with an entity that demands he commit brutal acts of murder. With each kill, Alex spirals deeper into darkness, haunted by his victims and the price he must pay for his family's safety.
As the body count rises, Alex must choose between his own soul and the lives of those he loves.
Will Alex be able to escape the grip of his demonic master before it's too late? Or will he be doomed to a life of eternal damnation?
148 pages, Paperback
Published June 8, 2023
2 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Jay Bower
48 books278 followersJAY BOWER is a horror author living outside St. Louis, MO in the forest of Southern Illinois. He spends his time reading, writing, and convincing his wife the dark stories he writes do not involve her.
One time punk-rock skateboarder and heavy metal kid of the 80s, Jay approaches his work with the same indie attitude as those early punk bands.
He's the author of several dark novels and short stories. He can be reached at jay@jay-bower.com.
One time punk-rock skateboarder and heavy metal kid of the 80s, Jay approaches his work with the same indie attitude as those early punk bands.
He's the author of several dark novels and short stories. He can be reached at jay@jay-bower.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 5, 2023
4.5 rounded to 5 for good reads.
Jay Bower Fans are eating good. This is the third book from the author to come out this year, each one good in their own right. Fans of Bower know he likes to tell demonic tales, and I think he does it well. This one, like Cadaverous is a tale of demonic servitude. There are some good kill scenes and some gross moments here, fans of bower are going to enjoy him getting a bit darker than usual here.
Jay Bower Fans are eating good. This is the third book from the author to come out this year, each one good in their own right. Fans of Bower know he likes to tell demonic tales, and I think he does it well. This one, like Cadaverous is a tale of demonic servitude. There are some good kill scenes and some gross moments here, fans of bower are going to enjoy him getting a bit darker than usual here.
June 21, 2023
How far would you go for a loved one?
It starts with a fatal car crash. Our protagonist Alex is faced with a choice, he can either stay dead, or come back to make amends with and for his family. His do over at life isn’t as simple as just coming back. He has to commit a series of murders chosen by the entity he makes the deal with. He has no say who, where and when. Now Alex does still have feelings and morels and committing murder is not a consideration for the majority of people. But there of course are consequences should he fail or refuse his given tasks. It leaves you wondering if Alex’s choice was a feeling of guilt or selfishness. What’s the saying………… Don’t make and deal with the Devil!
It starts with a fatal car crash. Our protagonist Alex is faced with a choice, he can either stay dead, or come back to make amends with and for his family. His do over at life isn’t as simple as just coming back. He has to commit a series of murders chosen by the entity he makes the deal with. He has no say who, where and when. Now Alex does still have feelings and morels and committing murder is not a consideration for the majority of people. But there of course are consequences should he fail or refuse his given tasks. It leaves you wondering if Alex’s choice was a feeling of guilt or selfishness. What’s the saying………… Don’t make and deal with the Devil!
June 29, 2023
How far would you go for your loved ones? Every Time I Die follows Alex, who dies in an accident but is offered a second chance. He’d live to see another day; his wife would be healed. Life would be great once again, or so he thought. All he had to do was make a deal and stick to the terms.
This was my first time reading Bower’s work and I have to say it was impressive. I thought the story was unique and gripping. Watching Alex be tested over and over and struggling to fulfill the contracts was entertaining. I wondered if eventually he would reach his breaking point, but it never seemed to come. The twist Bower threw in towards the end was amazing. I never saw it coming and thought it made for a great ending.
"His head had grown more painful, and relief only came with death: someone else's or his own."
This was my first time reading Bower’s work and I have to say it was impressive. I thought the story was unique and gripping. Watching Alex be tested over and over and struggling to fulfill the contracts was entertaining. I wondered if eventually he would reach his breaking point, but it never seemed to come. The twist Bower threw in towards the end was amazing. I never saw it coming and thought it made for a great ending.
"His head had grown more painful, and relief only came with death: someone else's or his own."
July 13, 2023
What a bananas intense story! Alex is such a complex character. Jay literally throws you straight into the deep end, as we follow him through a night club on the prowl. What follows is an anxiety riddled scene that raises a lot of questions. Leaving the reader hanging onto Jay's every word, while he forces the reader to endure horrors of gore and death. When we meet the family Alex is trying so hard to protect, you realize the root cause of his guilt and determination. As the painful heads alert him to a new target, Alex ends up on a time schedule he cannot control. A slave to the murderous instincts of an unknown entity, I love the way Jay keeps a lot of mystery around the demon in question. Not gonna lie it just makes you more eager to keep reading. Alex's need to protect Chritine and Regan is the main thing that threads through the story. More so than his own preservation, although let's face it the second time he dies. That's enough to kick in the need not to die, as Jay shares a visual that mimics Hellraiser mixed with Dean's trip to hell in Supernatrual.
Things get tricky when Alex's next target, is a someone that will be missed. Uping the anti as well as the danger of Alex getting caught. The fact that Alex makes a deal with the demon, not realising no matter what he does is damning him to hell. I mean, if he had not made that first kill? Then the demon wouldn't have had any claim on his soul. So he essentially tainted himself knowing he would go to hell either way. Under it all, we realise he is doing this because he wants Christine to walk again and give back what he took from her the day of the accident.
But it seems this guy has more lives than a cat, a Moloch drives how the ultimate choice for Alex. That ending was superb and I really enjoyed the horrifying rollercoaster of death it took to get there, Jay is a hell of a story teller.
Things get tricky when Alex's next target, is a someone that will be missed. Uping the anti as well as the danger of Alex getting caught. The fact that Alex makes a deal with the demon, not realising no matter what he does is damning him to hell. I mean, if he had not made that first kill? Then the demon wouldn't have had any claim on his soul. So he essentially tainted himself knowing he would go to hell either way. Under it all, we realise he is doing this because he wants Christine to walk again and give back what he took from her the day of the accident.
But it seems this guy has more lives than a cat, a Moloch drives how the ultimate choice for Alex. That ending was superb and I really enjoyed the horrifying rollercoaster of death it took to get there, Jay is a hell of a story teller.
November 17, 2023
How far would you go to uphold your end of a Faustian bargain?
Every Time I Die is a story about Alex, a man who died in an accident but was given another chance by someone or something to return to life. All they ask in exchange is for him to kill for them, and the frequency and intensity of those demands is ramping up. Can Alex keep it together for the sake of his family, or will this cycle of violence cause him to unravel?
Jay Bower grabbed my attention immediately with an opening chapter that thrusts you into the deep end, revealing the mysteries this story holds in dribs and drabs. Despite the short length our protagonist feels fully fleshed out, and I flew through the book in one evening, eager to find out his fate. I was also excited to get to the next of the relatively frequent, gore-soaked death scenes. This is my first time reading Bower's work, and his engaging writing style ensured it won't be the last.
I do have some minor criticisms. The structure of the book is set up in such a way that the story can occasionally feel a bit repetitive in setting up the next set piece - although these usually end differently enough to not make this too much of an issue - and perhaps the emotional stakes would feel a little higher if we spent a little more time with Alex's family. These in no way effected my enjoyment of the story, but I do wonder if they could have helped to bump my rating up from four stars to five.
I feel I can strongly recommend Every Time I Die for most horror fans, and if the synopsis interests you, I highly doubt you'll be disappointed.
Every Time I Die is a story about Alex, a man who died in an accident but was given another chance by someone or something to return to life. All they ask in exchange is for him to kill for them, and the frequency and intensity of those demands is ramping up. Can Alex keep it together for the sake of his family, or will this cycle of violence cause him to unravel?
Jay Bower grabbed my attention immediately with an opening chapter that thrusts you into the deep end, revealing the mysteries this story holds in dribs and drabs. Despite the short length our protagonist feels fully fleshed out, and I flew through the book in one evening, eager to find out his fate. I was also excited to get to the next of the relatively frequent, gore-soaked death scenes. This is my first time reading Bower's work, and his engaging writing style ensured it won't be the last.
I do have some minor criticisms. The structure of the book is set up in such a way that the story can occasionally feel a bit repetitive in setting up the next set piece - although these usually end differently enough to not make this too much of an issue - and perhaps the emotional stakes would feel a little higher if we spent a little more time with Alex's family. These in no way effected my enjoyment of the story, but I do wonder if they could have helped to bump my rating up from four stars to five.
I feel I can strongly recommend Every Time I Die for most horror fans, and if the synopsis interests you, I highly doubt you'll be disappointed.
March 11, 2024
Another Jay Bower Story…Another Crazy Freaking Ride!
After a fatal car crash, Alex is given a second chance at life and a way to heal his wife. There is only one catch. Making a deal with Moloch means becoming a killer. Moloch chooses the victims and Alex provides the blood. As the bodies stack up, Alex begins to struggle with the guilt and selfishness of taking others’ lives so he can live. When Moloch’s selections start hitting a little too close to home, Alex must finally come to terms with what it really means to make a deal with the devil.
This book for horrifically fun. I loved reading the struggles Alex was going through as he convinced himself that it was ok to kill. His anxiety and stress were flowing off the pages. There are a few gruesome deaths scene and a bit of humor thrown in throughout the book. I was totally unprepared for the ending! Shocking and fulfilling!
High recommendation for anyone who enjoys horror!
After a fatal car crash, Alex is given a second chance at life and a way to heal his wife. There is only one catch. Making a deal with Moloch means becoming a killer. Moloch chooses the victims and Alex provides the blood. As the bodies stack up, Alex begins to struggle with the guilt and selfishness of taking others’ lives so he can live. When Moloch’s selections start hitting a little too close to home, Alex must finally come to terms with what it really means to make a deal with the devil.
This book for horrifically fun. I loved reading the struggles Alex was going through as he convinced himself that it was ok to kill. His anxiety and stress were flowing off the pages. There are a few gruesome deaths scene and a bit of humor thrown in throughout the book. I was totally unprepared for the ending! Shocking and fulfilling!
High recommendation for anyone who enjoys horror!
November 7, 2023
I was given a review copy of Everytime I Die by Jay Bower and damn am I glad I did. This story is about a man named Alex Bates who makes a deal with an evil entity to save his life and heal his wife after a terrible accident almost kills him and leaves her wheelchair bound. His deal, of course, comes with a steep price. When he is called on, he must kill for the entity to be fed and for Alex’s own pain to subside. As if things weren’t complicated enough for him, the targets start add up, his killings being called on more frequently and with larger stakes. Will Alex be damned to destruction or pay the devil his due? This book is a bloody, wicked good time that doesn’t pull its punches and I would recommend to anyone looking for a Faustian pact-like story. I give it 4/5
November 12, 2023
The ultimate contract, that cannot be broken!
Jay Bower does it again! If you liked Cadaverous, you will love this Faustian tale.
Alex enters into a seemingly altruistic pact to heal his wife and protect his family. When the ‘pull’ selects the targets he must comply, or die - again.
The character driven narrative is fantastic; with each ‘pull’, Alex subtly changes, creating a fabulously uncomfortable ambiguity of emotions towards him.
Darkly delicious. Highly recommend.
I was provided a copy by the author. This is my honest review.
Cover art of Every Time I Die by Jay Bower foregrounds a deliberate thick streak of blood under which a number of graveyard crosses are just visible.
Jay Bower does it again! If you liked Cadaverous, you will love this Faustian tale.
Alex enters into a seemingly altruistic pact to heal his wife and protect his family. When the ‘pull’ selects the targets he must comply, or die - again.
The character driven narrative is fantastic; with each ‘pull’, Alex subtly changes, creating a fabulously uncomfortable ambiguity of emotions towards him.
Darkly delicious. Highly recommend.
I was provided a copy by the author. This is my honest review.
Cover art of Every Time I Die by Jay Bower foregrounds a deliberate thick streak of blood under which a number of graveyard crosses are just visible.
November 15, 2023
Bower has written another excellent story by creating a fresh new twist on martyrdom! Alex considers himself a family man, and an unfortunate death leaves him with the opportunity to prove, over and over, just how much he is willing to sacrifice to keep he and his family together.
Bower gives us normal, everyday scenes of family love and togetherness that allows us to feel close to Alex and his family. And then we are subjected to the horrors of obedience or punishment that Alex endures, from a demonic entity, to keep his family and himself alive. This is a dark tale of sacrifice and finding one’s true family.
Bower gives us normal, everyday scenes of family love and togetherness that allows us to feel close to Alex and his family. And then we are subjected to the horrors of obedience or punishment that Alex endures, from a demonic entity, to keep his family and himself alive. This is a dark tale of sacrifice and finding one’s true family.
November 16, 2023
If there ever was a tale about being careful what you wish for, this is the one. Alex had the best life. He was happy with his family and his profession. One night changed everything. He made a choice without fully thinking it through and then had to face the consequences of his choice.
Incredible read. I felt the despair that Alex had. I was sympathetic to a certain point for each act he was driven to commit. I guess for me, this situation would be very difficult. Nothing is ever without consequences.
Incredible read. I felt the despair that Alex had. I was sympathetic to a certain point for each act he was driven to commit. I guess for me, this situation would be very difficult. Nothing is ever without consequences.
November 25, 2023
What a wild ride this book was!! Jay Bower graciously gave me an ARC copy and I just loved it!!
After dying, Alex makes a deal with a demon so he can continue to live what follows is the aftermath of his decision, one he has to live with.
Definitely one to check out!! A pretty short read and it surely had me turning pages very fast to find out what would happen next, which seems to be something Jay Bower is very good at because I have yet to read anything by him that wasn’t fast paced and great! 🥰
After dying, Alex makes a deal with a demon so he can continue to live what follows is the aftermath of his decision, one he has to live with.
Definitely one to check out!! A pretty short read and it surely had me turning pages very fast to find out what would happen next, which seems to be something Jay Bower is very good at because I have yet to read anything by him that wasn’t fast paced and great! 🥰
June 21, 2023
Every Time I Die is a very interesting take on a serial killer story. The story follows Alex who him and his family has been in an accident. Alex gets another chance at life. He makes a contract with something, and he must kill whoever is picked by the contract. This is a very difficult for Alex throughout the story, because he still has morals and limits. The story is filled with gore. Alex is forced with a lot of tough decisions. The climax of the story is intense. This was a great read.
July 9, 2023
After a fatal car accident, Alex is given a second chance at life and his wife will recover. All he has to do is uphold his end of a little deal he made with a demon. How far would he go to save his family? How far would you go? This boo is packed full of personal battles and strife as Alex struggles with this deal he made. This is another great, well-written book by Jay! And that twist - just WOW! Definitely recommend!
November 29, 2023
Another smash demon hit from Jay Bower! This will totally check all the boxes for Cadaverous fans!
Alex was a very likeable main character. Flawed, like the rest of us, but not without some morals. He was highly developed as we get a front row seat to his thoughts and deeds as he struggles with his job, his family and his life throughout the story.
Thank you Jay for allowing me.to read this early!
Alex was a very likeable main character. Flawed, like the rest of us, but not without some morals. He was highly developed as we get a front row seat to his thoughts and deeds as he struggles with his job, his family and his life throughout the story.
Thank you Jay for allowing me.to read this early!
March 4, 2024
So, as I (im)patiently await Jay Bower’s ‘The terror of Willow Falls’ I thought I’d read some of his other work. Not only is Jay the loveliest guy, he can write books that really pack a punch. I tore through this in less than 24 hours and my heart was in my mouth for most of it. I just HAD to know how it would end. I was in a bit of a slump before this, but ‘every time I die’ has safely gotten me out of it.
November 17, 2023
Finished in one sitting. What would you do for love...or guilt? Alex Bates answers that question and all it costs him is...duty. Forced to do dispicable things to innocent people, otherwise he will die over and over, each time more painful and horrific. All this for his family, until....
Quick read and very entertaining. As always, Jay Bower doesn't disappoint.
Quick read and very entertaining. As always, Jay Bower doesn't disappoint.
November 20, 2023
What do a fatal accident, a demonic bargain, and the birth of a serial killer have in common? They're the premise for Every Time I Die. A dying man makes a deal to come back to life as a serial killer in order to make amends to his family. But as the body count rises, he realizes the blood price might be more than he bargained for.
Every Time I Die is a gripping horror centered around the basic concept "how far would you go for those you love?" The story starts out fast and never lets up, compelling the reader in almost the same way Alex is commanded, minus the murder part. Things get dark and there's definitely gore. Alex proceeds to go farther and farther down a path her may not be able to sustain, all while fighting his own sense of morality and deep regret. Jay Bower really gave us a reminder not to make any deals with the devil!
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.
Every Time I Die is a gripping horror centered around the basic concept "how far would you go for those you love?" The story starts out fast and never lets up, compelling the reader in almost the same way Alex is commanded, minus the murder part. Things get dark and there's definitely gore. Alex proceeds to go farther and farther down a path her may not be able to sustain, all while fighting his own sense of morality and deep regret. Jay Bower really gave us a reminder not to make any deals with the devil!
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.
June 10, 2023
How Far?
Alex died and made a deal, and now he's back. Alex has to kill to fulfill his part of the deal or he dies. How far will he go? Will he hold up his part of the deal? Pulse pounding hard to put down read.
Alex died and made a deal, and now he's back. Alex has to kill to fulfill his part of the deal or he dies. How far will he go? Will he hold up his part of the deal? Pulse pounding hard to put down read.
June 14, 2023
When I read this book, I get the same feeling I do when I’m binge-watching a good show on Netflix. Every chapter feels like an episode that leaves you letting the timer countdown to the next episode. Just one more episode. Just one more chapter. Well done, Jay Bower and D&T Publishing LLC.
September 14, 2023
Absolutely a 5 star for me.
I thought it was absolutely batshit that the deal was to be a killer in exchange for a chance at redemption for his wife and step daughter.
I was not expecting it to unravel the way it did, and THEN THE ENDING?!?
Alex, my boy. What. The. Fuck.
Loved it 😍
I thought it was absolutely batshit that the deal was to be a killer in exchange for a chance at redemption for his wife and step daughter.
I was not expecting it to unravel the way it did, and THEN THE ENDING?!?
Alex, my boy. What. The. Fuck.
Loved it 😍
November 26, 2023
Jay Bower’s “Every Time I Die” is the aftermath of a fatal accident. The unthinkable ramifications of a miracle turned dark and hellish. The afflictions that plague the soul, for there is a high price that comes with messing with fate, and deadly consequences that are unbearable.
July 17, 2023
This was deliciously devastating! I enjoyed this book so much! And that ending gave me alllllll the chills. So good!
July 30, 2023
What would you do to save your family? How far would you go. . .lie, cheat. . .kill? Grab this book and find out. . .it will be a quick read only because you won't want to put it down.
September 10, 2023
Not bad, certainly not what I expected to happen when the end rolled around but it was quite the ride
November 21, 2023
Devoured in 48 hours.
A great story about the consequences of the darkest deal. How far would you go for the ones you love? For yourself?
A great story about the consequences of the darkest deal. How far would you go for the ones you love? For yourself?
April 1, 2024
Fun read!
This is a really good book! I loved this book. Demons can't be trusted, they always lie. Jay you did an amazing job on this book!
This is a really good book! I loved this book. Demons can't be trusted, they always lie. Jay you did an amazing job on this book!
November 16, 2023
Every Time I Die is a thought-provoking story about how far you'd go to save your loved ones and how that desperation can get twisted into something dangerous.
Alex, like many of us, is an impatient driver. His impatience is his downfall, though, and he's forced to make a bargain with a demon. He will live, his wife will heal, but when the demon demands blood...he must deliver. The demon's needs get harder and harder for Alex to deal with until he finally reaches his breaking point.
Jay manages to capture Alex's desperation perfectly! His agony over the choices he is forced to make and his struggle to completely fulfill his bargain is written so well. I couldn't help but get caught up in all the emotions that Alex was working through as I was reading.
There were a few places that I thought the story got a bit repetitive, mostly when Alex was looking for his next person. I wanted to see more interaction with Christine and Randa so they felt more real to me. It was a little hard for me to empathize with them as much when they felt more like background characters than characters essential to Alex's story.
I had a really good time with Every Time I Die though! Jay's books are always a great read, and this one was no exception!
Alex, like many of us, is an impatient driver. His impatience is his downfall, though, and he's forced to make a bargain with a demon. He will live, his wife will heal, but when the demon demands blood...he must deliver. The demon's needs get harder and harder for Alex to deal with until he finally reaches his breaking point.
Jay manages to capture Alex's desperation perfectly! His agony over the choices he is forced to make and his struggle to completely fulfill his bargain is written so well. I couldn't help but get caught up in all the emotions that Alex was working through as I was reading.
There were a few places that I thought the story got a bit repetitive, mostly when Alex was looking for his next person. I wanted to see more interaction with Christine and Randa so they felt more real to me. It was a little hard for me to empathize with them as much when they felt more like background characters than characters essential to Alex's story.
I had a really good time with Every Time I Die though! Jay's books are always a great read, and this one was no exception!
July 10, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ✒️✒️✒️✒️
Details: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Characters:🧡🧡
Horror: -🧡🧡
Writing: ✒️✒️✒️✒️
Details: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Characters:🧡🧡
Horror: -🧡🧡
December 27, 2023
Every Time I Die
5☆☆☆☆☆
This was a fantastic book. A different kind of serial killer thriller. It was definitely a little gory. After a horrible accident, Alex has found himself a slave to death. Forever a killer. Excellent writing.
"It's not my choosing, but it is my destiny. "
Trust me, you will love this little horror story...I have spoken, and it is so.
5☆☆☆☆☆
This was a fantastic book. A different kind of serial killer thriller. It was definitely a little gory. After a horrible accident, Alex has found himself a slave to death. Forever a killer. Excellent writing.
"It's not my choosing, but it is my destiny. "
Trust me, you will love this little horror story...I have spoken, and it is so.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews