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The Demon of the Well
An ancient chalice with great, mystical powers is buried in the heart of a fearsome, haunted desert. At night, a trader secretly overhears two passing army deserters and learns that it has been found. And that the soldiers may be on a journey to re-claim it, but have lost their way. Hoping to obtain this chalice in order to bring peace to his war-torn world, he appears to them and offers his services as guide. In their dangerous company, he searches with them for the legendary Cup of Knowledge - the soldiers unaware that he knows of this mystic treasure that they themselves are seeking. The plans of all three begin to go awry as they enter the realm of the destructive yellow demon, where the chalice has been cached. After surviving a deadly conflict, the trader encounters the demon alone, and strikes a bargain that will have grave consequences for the entire world. Many years later, he seeks to set things right, with the help of a young friend.
Decades in the making, this story was inspired by a legend in Persian literature. Presented as an ancient, recovered manuscript, this fantasy evokes the oral, storytelling traditions of the bards of old. Events, visions, desert landscapes - all are revealed and swiftly carried along in the enchanting, deftly phrased lines of the tale's rhyming, evenly metered river of verses. A story for the times we find ourselves living in that will appeal to fantasy lovers young and old alike.
Decades in the making, this story was inspired by a legend in Persian literature. Presented as an ancient, recovered manuscript, this fantasy evokes the oral, storytelling traditions of the bards of old. Events, visions, desert landscapes - all are revealed and swiftly carried along in the enchanting, deftly phrased lines of the tale's rhyming, evenly metered river of verses. A story for the times we find ourselves living in that will appeal to fantasy lovers young and old alike.
- GenresPoetry
74 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 15, 2020
Actual rating 4.5/5 stars.
A terrible drought has the inhabitants of an oasis town, alongside the Old Silk Road, fearing for their lives. One member among them believes he is responsible for the present suffering, along with two long-dead adventurers and the demon the trio met upon their journey together.
This is a book told in two parts - one long before and one during the drought. I found much to appreciate in both sections and enjoyed learning of the protagonist's history, as well as adventuring with him as he attempted to rectify his past mistakes. This felt very much like a classic tale of lore, with its wry concluding twist and the morals delivered on the journey towards it. This feel was also aided by the rhyming stanzas the story was told in.
I also loved how this story was prefaced by a note from the author detailing his creative process. The stanzas of this story came to him whole and intermittently over the course of eighteen years. I'm glad Hendricks chose to share this with the reader, as this knowledge ensured both the contents, and the construction, felt infused by magic and whimsy.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, James B. Hendricks, and the publisher, BookBaby, for this opportunity.
A terrible drought has the inhabitants of an oasis town, alongside the Old Silk Road, fearing for their lives. One member among them believes he is responsible for the present suffering, along with two long-dead adventurers and the demon the trio met upon their journey together.
This is a book told in two parts - one long before and one during the drought. I found much to appreciate in both sections and enjoyed learning of the protagonist's history, as well as adventuring with him as he attempted to rectify his past mistakes. This felt very much like a classic tale of lore, with its wry concluding twist and the morals delivered on the journey towards it. This feel was also aided by the rhyming stanzas the story was told in.
I also loved how this story was prefaced by a note from the author detailing his creative process. The stanzas of this story came to him whole and intermittently over the course of eighteen years. I'm glad Hendricks chose to share this with the reader, as this knowledge ensured both the contents, and the construction, felt infused by magic and whimsy.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, James B. Hendricks, and the publisher, BookBaby, for this opportunity.
April 21, 2021
E-Book provided by the author through NetGalley in Exchange of an honest review
This is a short story told in verse form and that's why this review will be short. It only took me around 30 minutes to read it.
It is a story that has two parts, the events that happened in the past leading into the drought and events of the present. The story follows a trader who joins two army deserters as their guide to find a treasure. There is a magical artifact and magic and a demon so it had some fantasy elements.
The thing about stories in verse is that they always make me nostalgic because I grew up reading those for children and I think it was an unusual but good choice from the author to tell the story that way. Most of the verses rhymed but some of them did not and it sounded weird to me.
The story is good but not mind-blowing, I think I was expecting a bit more from the few things I heard about it. The problem is that it is hard to attach to the unnamed people and place, most of the things are left vague because it is trying to deliver a message. I think this kind of stories work better for younger readers.
This is a short story told in verse form and that's why this review will be short. It only took me around 30 minutes to read it.
It is a story that has two parts, the events that happened in the past leading into the drought and events of the present. The story follows a trader who joins two army deserters as their guide to find a treasure. There is a magical artifact and magic and a demon so it had some fantasy elements.
The thing about stories in verse is that they always make me nostalgic because I grew up reading those for children and I think it was an unusual but good choice from the author to tell the story that way. Most of the verses rhymed but some of them did not and it sounded weird to me.
The story is good but not mind-blowing, I think I was expecting a bit more from the few things I heard about it. The problem is that it is hard to attach to the unnamed people and place, most of the things are left vague because it is trying to deliver a message. I think this kind of stories work better for younger readers.
December 13, 2020
Long ago, a trader along the Silk Road overheard two former soldiers divulge of their quest to recover a powerful chalice. The trader develops a scheme to get the treasure for himself. However, in retrieving his prize, the trader unleashes a powerful being that wreaks havoc upon the Earth. Years later, when the town has been experiencing a prolonged drought,the trader tells his story. He fears his actions long ago have resulted in disaster. Together, the trader and a younger man set off to right his wrong from long ago.
The Demon in the Well is an epic tale told in rhyming verse. It's been awhile since I have read anything in this format and I enjoyed the deep immersion into the story and how quickly I was pulled in. The verse made the story move very quickly and kept me wanting to know what happened next. I was surprised by how smoothly the rhymes carried the story. While the characters may not have been as well formed, I still feel like I knew who the characters were. Most of all, I enjoyed the author's inspiration for The Demon of the Well and what his imagination was able to create. Overall, The Demon of the Well is an exciting journey told in a unique way. This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The Demon in the Well is an epic tale told in rhyming verse. It's been awhile since I have read anything in this format and I enjoyed the deep immersion into the story and how quickly I was pulled in. The verse made the story move very quickly and kept me wanting to know what happened next. I was surprised by how smoothly the rhymes carried the story. While the characters may not have been as well formed, I still feel like I knew who the characters were. Most of all, I enjoyed the author's inspiration for The Demon of the Well and what his imagination was able to create. Overall, The Demon of the Well is an exciting journey told in a unique way. This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
April 26, 2021
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DISCLAIMER : Thank you, James B. Hendricks for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A disastrous drought has befallen an oasis town on the Old Silk Roads. The townsfolks are living in fear and worry for their lives. The townspeople notice an old trader being immensely distressed as each day goes on. They keep asking him and finally, he confides his secret. He fears he is responsible for the evil things happening to their town and wants to fix it. He then goes on to tell his story to the young men of the town. It talks of times back in the day, during the civil war, trading missions through the desert, a treasure of mystic powers, the plan to acquire it, and the pitfalls they face at the destination. This is a story of a man who makes a Faustian deal with the demon and lives to regret it. Will the trader be able to reverse the deal? Can he save their town from the dreadful future that awaits them?
The Demon Of The Well is the shortest fantasy that I have ever read. It also has another specialty. The book is written in verse form and gives us the story of the tradesman who bartered his soul for the powers he sought. The story is an interesting one with the powerful message of greed and the price one has to pay for it. It is told in two parts, one taking us through the tradesman’s story in the past and the second part taking place during the drought. While intentions might have been somewhat pure, the impact of the action still was to cause a negative effect. This shows us the bigger picture of how people who chase after dreams, goals, power can start with pure intentions, but along the way lose themselves. The question is are they willing to rectify the mistakes they made and own up to them?
Overall, if you are looking for a quick read that will pull you into the story from the get-go, then pick this book up. It’s an immersive read with a unique style of storytelling for a fantasy story. It’s a story that is classic in style and feels very similar to a lore and has a Faustian deal with the devil. It is easy to read, simple yet beautiful in the way the words flow, compact storytelling, and an immersive read. I really enjoyed this one and gave the book 4 stars. If you enjoy a classic story with a lore-like feel to it, then definitely pick this one up. I highly recommend checking it out.
SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL : YOUTUBE
FOLLOW ME ON : TWITTER INSTAGRAM
FR REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : Thank you, James B. Hendricks for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A disastrous drought has befallen an oasis town on the Old Silk Roads. The townsfolks are living in fear and worry for their lives. The townspeople notice an old trader being immensely distressed as each day goes on. They keep asking him and finally, he confides his secret. He fears he is responsible for the evil things happening to their town and wants to fix it. He then goes on to tell his story to the young men of the town. It talks of times back in the day, during the civil war, trading missions through the desert, a treasure of mystic powers, the plan to acquire it, and the pitfalls they face at the destination. This is a story of a man who makes a Faustian deal with the demon and lives to regret it. Will the trader be able to reverse the deal? Can he save their town from the dreadful future that awaits them?
The Demon Of The Well is the shortest fantasy that I have ever read. It also has another specialty. The book is written in verse form and gives us the story of the tradesman who bartered his soul for the powers he sought. The story is an interesting one with the powerful message of greed and the price one has to pay for it. It is told in two parts, one taking us through the tradesman’s story in the past and the second part taking place during the drought. While intentions might have been somewhat pure, the impact of the action still was to cause a negative effect. This shows us the bigger picture of how people who chase after dreams, goals, power can start with pure intentions, but along the way lose themselves. The question is are they willing to rectify the mistakes they made and own up to them?
Overall, if you are looking for a quick read that will pull you into the story from the get-go, then pick this book up. It’s an immersive read with a unique style of storytelling for a fantasy story. It’s a story that is classic in style and feels very similar to a lore and has a Faustian deal with the devil. It is easy to read, simple yet beautiful in the way the words flow, compact storytelling, and an immersive read. I really enjoyed this one and gave the book 4 stars. If you enjoy a classic story with a lore-like feel to it, then definitely pick this one up. I highly recommend checking it out.
May 23, 2021
Rhyming Rhetoric in a Dry Desert of Desolation!
A wood carver in a glowing tunic with shimmering reservoirs of memories tells stories of burned citadels, decimated landscapes, and a destined caravan of one...
Charred and smoking ruins filled with faces of the dead turned the traveler on his heel to seek a place he wouldn’t dread. The Master of the Visions and a magic chalice cup led the traveler down some paths that he could not pass up. Bewitching desert trails had the trio seeking Devil’s Springs, where sulfurous salts and twisted faults put them on a path to doom. Camel bells in caravans sang their siren songs, and spirits of the vanished ones tried to inflict wrongs. Crevices and canyons caused a hot and manic state, but goblin legions in rocky regions led them to their fate.
The ancient mystic chalice sparkled silver in the light, and the greed between the brothers led them straight into a fight. A splash, a gasp, a chalice cast far out into the spring — when yellow smoke spit out a bloke, a monstrous, evil thing! A deal was made, a soul was snatched, the universe did shiver, for fear was what the trade made with the demon did deliver. “The secrets of the heavens and the frailties of men” were far too vast a concept for one man to comprehend. Dusty whirlwinds came and droughts laid plain the former fertile ground, but plans were made and hopes remained that rain would soon be found. A final quest was soon behest back to the demon well, and souls returned as he got burned ♨️ The Demon of the Well.
WHAT AN EXCEPTIONAL PIECE OF POETIC LITERATURE! This collection of passages even got me feeling inspired by the Muse. “A dust mote in your starry realm has had his final say...” and with that phrase I dare do say BEST THING I READ TODAY!
A wood carver in a glowing tunic with shimmering reservoirs of memories tells stories of burned citadels, decimated landscapes, and a destined caravan of one...
Charred and smoking ruins filled with faces of the dead turned the traveler on his heel to seek a place he wouldn’t dread. The Master of the Visions and a magic chalice cup led the traveler down some paths that he could not pass up. Bewitching desert trails had the trio seeking Devil’s Springs, where sulfurous salts and twisted faults put them on a path to doom. Camel bells in caravans sang their siren songs, and spirits of the vanished ones tried to inflict wrongs. Crevices and canyons caused a hot and manic state, but goblin legions in rocky regions led them to their fate.
The ancient mystic chalice sparkled silver in the light, and the greed between the brothers led them straight into a fight. A splash, a gasp, a chalice cast far out into the spring — when yellow smoke spit out a bloke, a monstrous, evil thing! A deal was made, a soul was snatched, the universe did shiver, for fear was what the trade made with the demon did deliver. “The secrets of the heavens and the frailties of men” were far too vast a concept for one man to comprehend. Dusty whirlwinds came and droughts laid plain the former fertile ground, but plans were made and hopes remained that rain would soon be found. A final quest was soon behest back to the demon well, and souls returned as he got burned ♨️ The Demon of the Well.
WHAT AN EXCEPTIONAL PIECE OF POETIC LITERATURE! This collection of passages even got me feeling inspired by the Muse. “A dust mote in your starry realm has had his final say...” and with that phrase I dare do say BEST THING I READ TODAY!
December 28, 2020
Demon of the Well is a short fantasy story told in rhyming verses. I rarely read books in this format but I decided to give it a chance because the synopsis caught my attention.
I was absorbed in the story from the first verse, the intriguing style in which the author told this story was mesmerizing. It was divided into two parts; ‘The Traders Story’, and ‘The Second Journey’. The rhymes carried the story smoothly and in surprisingly fast pace. Not being a poetry person, I thought I would have to read it repeatedly to get the meaning but the wording was mostly simple. Even though nothing is explicitly told (which is how poetry is) but I had clear idea about what was going on and being told.
There were only two main characters, the trader and the boy. Both had no names or any description about appearance or personality. But it made the story more interesting for me. Their appearance wasn’t important, author focused on the story-telling.
Most things are unclear, like the time and place. World-building, character development are what I look for when reading a fantasy book it didn’t have those feature but it didn’t need those, and the story felt complete in every sense.
In the beginning, author has shared how this book was written, his inspiration and that over the course of 18 years this book was written as verses came to him, it’s amazing how he was able to create and write this from an inspiration.
If you’re looking for a quick fantasy read, and you like poetry, this is the book you should read! Another wonderful aspect about it is that it can be read by children and adults, alike.
I was absorbed in the story from the first verse, the intriguing style in which the author told this story was mesmerizing. It was divided into two parts; ‘The Traders Story’, and ‘The Second Journey’. The rhymes carried the story smoothly and in surprisingly fast pace. Not being a poetry person, I thought I would have to read it repeatedly to get the meaning but the wording was mostly simple. Even though nothing is explicitly told (which is how poetry is) but I had clear idea about what was going on and being told.
There were only two main characters, the trader and the boy. Both had no names or any description about appearance or personality. But it made the story more interesting for me. Their appearance wasn’t important, author focused on the story-telling.
Most things are unclear, like the time and place. World-building, character development are what I look for when reading a fantasy book it didn’t have those feature but it didn’t need those, and the story felt complete in every sense.
In the beginning, author has shared how this book was written, his inspiration and that over the course of 18 years this book was written as verses came to him, it’s amazing how he was able to create and write this from an inspiration.
If you’re looking for a quick fantasy read, and you like poetry, this is the book you should read! Another wonderful aspect about it is that it can be read by children and adults, alike.
April 17, 2021
The Demon of the Well was a charming and unique tale which is told entirely in rhyming verse. I think the form really helped this tale stand out, I haven't read many stories told in verse except for in poetry anthologies and the like so this was a refreshing little detour from all the prose I usually read. It's also a really fast read, I read this over an hour or so. I liked the whimsical nature of the story; we follow two story threads, which are interlinked, The Traders Story and The Second Journey. I liked the fantasy elements, such as the chalice and the demon - the chalice especially being significant. The story had a very classic fantasy / lore kind of tone, with lessons being learnt during the characters quests and it's delivered in a way which doesn't feel heavy handed at all due to the rhyming verse. I also liked the inspiration behind the story and how the verses came into the authors mind over the course of many years, makes for an interesting origin story for sure!
I was sent a copy of this book by the author James B. Hendricks in exchange for an honest review - thank you for the opportunity!
I was sent a copy of this book by the author James B. Hendricks in exchange for an honest review - thank you for the opportunity!
January 24, 2021
Got this as a freebie. The rhyming and the artistic writing is delightful in this short book.
“For life to me is precious still. Never mind this pain. I will cherish every minute even in this grim terrain.”
“For life to me is precious still. Never mind this pain. I will cherish every minute even in this grim terrain.”
March 22, 2021
This was cute, but if you're in 6th grade. I feel like NetGalley should have really specified that. I would give this to a younger niece or nephew to read, but the way this is written doesn't work for a grown adult.
May 1, 2021
I think I should just accept that poetry is not for me, I just do not really grasp the story in that way,
I did like what the author tried to tell (kinda explained in the preface)!
I did like what the author tried to tell (kinda explained in the preface)!
Read
January 29, 2024This story was written as an epic poem. I wasn’t expecting that, and I thought it would be awful, but it was actually so interesting!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews