Johannes Cabal the Necromancer

Jonathan L. Howard

Jul 2009 · Johannes Cabal Novels Book 1 · Sold by Anchor

About this eBook

The page-turning first novel in the charmingly gothic, fiendishly funny Faustian series about a brilliant scientist who makes a deal with the Devil, twice. • "The spot-on work of a talented writer." —The Denver Post

Johannes Cabal sold his soul years ago in order to learn the laws of necromancy. Now he wants it back. Amused and slightly bored, Satan proposes a little wager: Johannes has to persuade one hundred people to sign over their souls or he will be damned forever. This time for real. Accepting the bargain, Jonathan is given one calendar year and a traveling carnival to complete his task. With little time to waste, Johannes raises a motley crew from the dead and enlists his brother, Horst, a charismatic vampire to help him run his nefarious road show, resulting in mayhem at every turn.

Ratings and reviews

I found this book after reading "The Gargoyle" and looking through Amazon's recommended reading list. I do not regret paying full price for this book. I was so tired of ( and feeling too old for) Twilight and Vampires, I just wanted SOMETHING different...boy did I find it. I am in love with this writing style. I was super stoked to find out there is a second Johannes Cabal book coming out :) Heroes (who may also be villains) come in all shapes and sizes...I'd love a few more pages or a direct sequel

This book takes a bit of a twisted sense of humor to really enjoy, but it's charmingly funny if you're into dark humor. I wouldn't recommend it for people who really need a clear cut "good guy" character to get behind-- Johannes Cabal is not a good guy, though he is well-written and his intentions are more admirable than they appear. Overall an excellent book and I will be obtaining the sequels as soon as possible.

I adore Johannes and the other characters and after reading Howard's next two books everything ties together nicely. What happens in one book does not end there and that's what I love about it.

About the author

JONATHAN L. HOWARD is a game designer who notably co-scripted the first three Broken Sword adventure games. He is the author of the novel Johannes Cabal the Necromancer. He lives near Bristol, England, with his wife and daughter.