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Demiurge: Blood of the Innocent
The renowned archaeologist, James McKenzie, has uncovered many prophecies, each with a mysterious symbol accompanying their inscription. Now, edifices of this symbol are reappearing, not engraved in aged rock, but painted in blood above the victims of a serial killer, and the fanatical cult he serves. Detective Hassom is charged with the task of making sense of this slaughter and capturing the perpetrators.
Corruption, collusion and the discovery that Lucas, a strangely gifted eight year old orphan, is the primary target of the murderous cult force Hassom and McKenzie to work together to solve the murders. In their efforts to protect Lucas and reveal the ultimate goal of the cult leader and how this relates to the final, revelatory prophecy discovered in Iran, they unearth a truth, more terrible than anything they could have feared.
Corruption, collusion and the discovery that Lucas, a strangely gifted eight year old orphan, is the primary target of the murderous cult force Hassom and McKenzie to work together to solve the murders. In their efforts to protect Lucas and reveal the ultimate goal of the cult leader and how this relates to the final, revelatory prophecy discovered in Iran, they unearth a truth, more terrible than anything they could have feared.
- GenresMystery
364 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
About the author
Michael R. Hagan
1 book10 followersMichael was born 1970 in Co. Down, Northern Ireland to where, after what he describes as a beautiful year in California, he returned with his family to, “…take the dream’n home.”
“I have one of those addictive or obsessive personalities you hear about. I had no choice but to write DEMIURGE: Blood of the Innocent. Once the characters got into my head, they wouldn’t let me sleep until I’d committed their story to paper. I firmly believe the alternative would have been being commited myself… Now they’re at rest and I’m hooked on a good dozen cups of coffee a day.”
Prior to writing DEMIURGE: Blood of the Innocent, his first novel, Michael worked in a number of different sectors varying from a stint in the Territorials, within FMCG, supplying construction equipment, property development and selling Ferraris. “The common thread is, they all involved meeting interesting people. I love to hear real stories from real people; what makes someone laugh, maddens them… What journey has brought them to be who they are today. If you see me on the street, say hello…share a story. If we’re near a good coffee house, all the better.”
“I have one of those addictive or obsessive personalities you hear about. I had no choice but to write DEMIURGE: Blood of the Innocent. Once the characters got into my head, they wouldn’t let me sleep until I’d committed their story to paper. I firmly believe the alternative would have been being commited myself… Now they’re at rest and I’m hooked on a good dozen cups of coffee a day.”
Prior to writing DEMIURGE: Blood of the Innocent, his first novel, Michael worked in a number of different sectors varying from a stint in the Territorials, within FMCG, supplying construction equipment, property development and selling Ferraris. “The common thread is, they all involved meeting interesting people. I love to hear real stories from real people; what makes someone laugh, maddens them… What journey has brought them to be who they are today. If you see me on the street, say hello…share a story. If we’re near a good coffee house, all the better.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 21, 2014
This book really had me obsessing about what would come next, not a moment could be spent thinking of anything else. The plot thickens and turns throughout the entire book. Just when you think you've worked out what's happening it sidewinds, twists and bites your ass. Suspenseful, sometimes frightening and seriously thought provoking, but definitely not one for the kids.
December 14, 2014
I was lucky to recieve this book to review by Librarything.
The book was a really good read and on the lines of Dan Brown. There were so many twists and turns I could hardly keep up, great fast paced novel.
The author writes well and the charachters are real.
For all Dan Brown fans this book is recommended, you will not be disapointed.
The book was a really good read and on the lines of Dan Brown. There were so many twists and turns I could hardly keep up, great fast paced novel.
The author writes well and the charachters are real.
For all Dan Brown fans this book is recommended, you will not be disapointed.
December 11, 2014
Oh dear. I don't know whether I'm afraid to miss church ever again, or afraid to ever go again............... The former, I think.
Wonderful tale, complex and uplifting, in a surprising way.
Wonderful tale, complex and uplifting, in a surprising way.
February 17, 2015
The murder investigation piqued my interest and then the story moves to Prof McKenzie’s archaeological dig which I also found fascinating and wondered how the two would tie in.
The story jumped back and forwards which I followed quite well until more and more characters were introduced and also a new political story line. The story then jumped to ancient times and I was completely lost now and thinking that maybe even though this was well written and eloquent it was a bit too literary for me.
The plot was quite intricate and needed some concentration. My reading time is constantly interrupted and I couldn’t really give this story the full attention it needed.
I felt a strong connection to the main protagonist DI William Hassom and was eager to have him come through the story unscathed. The other characters I didn’t really care for at all and couldn’t really have cared if they’d all been killed off.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy literary fiction.
Thank you to the publishers for my copy to read and review.
The story jumped back and forwards which I followed quite well until more and more characters were introduced and also a new political story line. The story then jumped to ancient times and I was completely lost now and thinking that maybe even though this was well written and eloquent it was a bit too literary for me.
The plot was quite intricate and needed some concentration. My reading time is constantly interrupted and I couldn’t really give this story the full attention it needed.
I felt a strong connection to the main protagonist DI William Hassom and was eager to have him come through the story unscathed. The other characters I didn’t really care for at all and couldn’t really have cared if they’d all been killed off.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy literary fiction.
Thank you to the publishers for my copy to read and review.
April 18, 2015
Sheer joy to read... Epic, exciting, scary and inspirational all at once.
Read it, you will not regret the time.
Swan Song, Necroscope series (Brian Lumley,)any horror by Robert R McCammon and Demiurge, Blood of the Innocent.
The 4 best books/volumes in the world!!!
Enjoy... I'm Jelly that I can't read it for the first time again!
Read it, you will not regret the time.
Swan Song, Necroscope series (Brian Lumley,)any horror by Robert R McCammon and Demiurge, Blood of the Innocent.
The 4 best books/volumes in the world!!!
Enjoy... I'm Jelly that I can't read it for the first time again!
July 8, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is in no way reflected in my opinion of this novel.
Demiurge Blood Of The Innocent is not a light book it is however a good one. I had to give it all of my attention while I was reading it but I'm glad I did. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going something happened to take it in a different direction. The story moves from present day to ancient times telling the story of an entity that wants to bring about the end of mankind and the people who are trying to stop it. The action scenes were very well done and some were horrific. It reminded me of a cross between Indiana Jones and The Omen. The characters were realistic and complex. I loved both Hassom and McKenzie but my favorite was Jock. I could have a drink with him and hang out awhile. This isn't the book to read if you're looking for a light and fluffy bit of horror. But if you want a story you can sink your teeth into pick up this thought provoking 4 star read. You'll be glad you did.
Demiurge Blood Of The Innocent is not a light book it is however a good one. I had to give it all of my attention while I was reading it but I'm glad I did. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going something happened to take it in a different direction. The story moves from present day to ancient times telling the story of an entity that wants to bring about the end of mankind and the people who are trying to stop it. The action scenes were very well done and some were horrific. It reminded me of a cross between Indiana Jones and The Omen. The characters were realistic and complex. I loved both Hassom and McKenzie but my favorite was Jock. I could have a drink with him and hang out awhile. This isn't the book to read if you're looking for a light and fluffy bit of horror. But if you want a story you can sink your teeth into pick up this thought provoking 4 star read. You'll be glad you did.
January 17, 2015
Very Dark, very gnostic, very intense... yet uplifting in a funny way. Definitely recommend.
June 21, 2015
A real "readers' book." I think this'll be 5 star or 1 star in the reviews, with little in between. For me it's a clear 5...truly excellent. If you like Lost, 6th Sense, Cloud Atlas, The Seventh Scroll or anything by Dan Brown, you'll love this... serious suspense and more twists than a curly wurly.
If you're frustrated by all of the above...don't even try it. hehe. :) The more avid readers will eat this up. Very clever, very fun, very surprising!
If you're frustrated by all of the above...don't even try it. hehe. :) The more avid readers will eat this up. Very clever, very fun, very surprising!
June 9, 2015
This is a horror thriller with pseudo-mystical trappings that the author outlines in a broad-brush introduction of the ancient myths of a mysterious entity called the Demiurge. The novel opens with Detective William Hasson called to a grisly murder of a family. The trail of blood leads to a mental institution where the inmates have slaughtered the staff and left their severed skulls piled in an unusual formation and a peculiar symbol on the walls. Concurrently Professor McKenzie Sorts through inscriptions in his archeological digs and uncovers vague but foreboding prophecies and the “Seer” symbol. The professor and the detective eventually cross paths and join in the search to solve the mystery of the continuing murders apparently under the influence of the Demi-urge. At times the author gets lost in the mystical fog of the “entity” but fresh blood and intrigue puts him back on track. In the end “free will” is the key to thwart the “entity”. Not a book you want to read on a dark and stormy night.
August 7, 2015
Shouting from the rooftops here. This book blew me away.... First review I've ever left, so hope that's OK.
February 28, 2015
oh my gosh, I am pleased to say I finished the book, it took longer than I expected, it is a whopping 42 chapters!
I enjoyed it immensely, I felt drawn to Hannah and that part of the story that unfolded (I don't want to spoil it for someone who hasn't read the book yet).The plot is rich and layered, evolving slowly. The precept is that of complete intellectual perfection. I was engrossed and had a lot of days where it was had to put the tablet down.There were places where it did drag a bit (42 chapters), and the story became muddled down in facts and procedure, but it was still an extremely enjoyable read. A great book.
I enjoyed it immensely, I felt drawn to Hannah and that part of the story that unfolded (I don't want to spoil it for someone who hasn't read the book yet).The plot is rich and layered, evolving slowly. The precept is that of complete intellectual perfection. I was engrossed and had a lot of days where it was had to put the tablet down.There were places where it did drag a bit (42 chapters), and the story became muddled down in facts and procedure, but it was still an extremely enjoyable read. A great book.
December 14, 2014
I was given an opportunity by the author, Michael Hagan, to read an electronic copy of Demiurge for an honest review. What a thrilling ride you take - from ancient times to the present, from demons to innocents, and from the law to the lawless. I thought it was smartly written and enjoyed how the author connected two seemingly different worlds - that of archaeologist James McKenzie and of Detective Hassom - in a clear and concise manner. Throw in a little demonic possession from an ancient Entity and you have the makings of a great thriller. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
November 30, 2014
This is a very enjoyable book. Hagan has an ability to make all his characters different and real, while creating a plot that keeps you guessing, and believing. He also is an excellent word-artist, creating pictures in the readers mind while carrying you along through a great story. I’ve now read this book twice, and I found it even more enjoyable the second time around. Highly recommended.
January 17, 2015
Couldn't have written better. ;)
January 12, 2015
Part crime mystery, part religious fantasy, this is a little like the Dan Brown stories but with more emphasis on the crime than the religion - not entirely surprising as the main character is a police detective. In keeping with our expectations of the genre, Detective Hassom is estranged from his wife and child and is prone to beating himself up over how he allows his job to get in the way of his relationship with his child. Although something of a cliche, this does at least have some relevance to the story and can be forgiven.
The plot is an interesting one and the story begins with Hassom investigating a horrific multiple murder. We follow Hassom in his investigation as he comes to understand the enormity of what he is dealing with and, eventually, his own role in it.
The characterisation is very good and most of the main characters develop in believable ways in response to events. All of the characters remain consistent and most of them are distinct (with the exception of the two main female characters who I thought were a little too similar and not really sufficiently developed).
However, at times the narrative became unnecessarily wordy. I realise that this was almost certainly deliberately done and restricted to the chapters that dealt with historic and mythical events but I found it quite annoying and skipped through much of these parts of the book. I also skipped through much of the sex scene which was far too long and seemed quite out of place, serving only to interrupt the flow of the story.
There are also a few too many editing oversights, including the occasional use of the wrong word (the repeated use of the word incredulous instead of incredible was particularly irritating).
On the whole there is more to like about it than not to like so I’d say it’s worth a read.
The plot is an interesting one and the story begins with Hassom investigating a horrific multiple murder. We follow Hassom in his investigation as he comes to understand the enormity of what he is dealing with and, eventually, his own role in it.
The characterisation is very good and most of the main characters develop in believable ways in response to events. All of the characters remain consistent and most of them are distinct (with the exception of the two main female characters who I thought were a little too similar and not really sufficiently developed).
However, at times the narrative became unnecessarily wordy. I realise that this was almost certainly deliberately done and restricted to the chapters that dealt with historic and mythical events but I found it quite annoying and skipped through much of these parts of the book. I also skipped through much of the sex scene which was far too long and seemed quite out of place, serving only to interrupt the flow of the story.
There are also a few too many editing oversights, including the occasional use of the wrong word (the repeated use of the word incredulous instead of incredible was particularly irritating).
On the whole there is more to like about it than not to like so I’d say it’s worth a read.
February 9, 2016
Wow, I feel like I read this book twice because I found myself re-reading sentences and paragraphs and, occasionally, pages, to both clarify the meaning and to absorb the deft prose. I found, perhaps, one page or two to lag a bit, but it was enlightening background. If you can't get thru the short ABOUT section at the start, you might want to move along to something less convoluted. I adored the book, and the ending was strangely satisfying..
February 2, 2015
Thanks to the Online Bookclub for allowing me to read and review this novel!
Full review link on The Pluviophile Reader: http://wp.me/p3VFNP-7N
Full review link on The Pluviophile Reader: http://wp.me/p3VFNP-7N
January 17, 2015
This is an amazing story! I'd recommend it to anyone, great storyline! Great read! Michael R. Hagan is an author to look out for!
March 5, 2016
Spoiler Alert!
.
Complex, rich, thought-provoking, original twist on the whole religious armageddon saga.
One of the few books I've read multiple times, and it changes with each reading.
A true classic; 5 stars.
.
Complex, rich, thought-provoking, original twist on the whole religious armageddon saga.
One of the few books I've read multiple times, and it changes with each reading.
A true classic; 5 stars.
December 13, 2014
It was a good book. I liked it a lot. I like the variety of characters in it. A well written book.
May 30, 2015
I thought this was tightly written and plotted, and moved along at a good pace with some nice tension and a satisfying ending. The characters were well rounded and engaging.
December 19, 2015
Be still my beating heart; just finished reading in one sit..... Phew, what a trip!
P.S. Holy Hell!
P.S. Holy Hell!
February 12, 2016
Am I really allowed to rate my own work?
Well then, 5 stars...obv. :)
Thanks for showing an interest, and I hope you find it both provocative and enjoyable.
Michael R Hagan
Well then, 5 stars...obv. :)
Thanks for showing an interest, and I hope you find it both provocative and enjoyable.
Michael R Hagan
December 24, 2014
Totes Amazeballs... What a plot! Just read it!
Wow!
Wow!
January 3, 2018
Didn't I rate this already? ;)
lol
lol
December 22, 2017
Awesome storyline! There was alot of history lesson fact and fiction mixed in to make the past and present cohesive. There was alot of jargon that can throw a person off if they're not a history or archeological buff lol. The story transcends across all genres of religion, spirituality, mental health, and human nature. It's a very long story and full of details so be ready for the long haul on and interesting intake on Man vs God!
January 8, 2015
There is a good story within the pages of Demiurge: Blood of the Innocent, but the over population of characters and the many twists and turns in the story eventually got me lost. The first half is fast paced and interesting, but then it bogs down when the various groups of characters come together. Perhaps including an index of characters would be helpful.
I received this Early Reviewers copy from Library Thing.
I received this Early Reviewers copy from Library Thing.
December 10, 2014
A mysterious symbol, from the past being investigated by an archaeologist, James McKenzie; and now drawn in blood near the victims of a serial killer, with the police officer in charge a Detective Hassom.
Circumstances force these two men to work together to solve the crimes.
Circumstances force these two men to work together to solve the crimes.
March 10, 2015
This book starts out with a horrific murder scene and Detective Hassom is led on a chase to find the killer. The book goes from the murder investigations to archaeological digs. I thought the book was very well written but unfortunately, for me, the background information was too much.
March 20, 2015
A perfect mystery.
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I am the Publisher
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews