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    The Curse Merchant
    The Curse Merchant
    The Curse Merchant
    Audiobook10 hours

    The Curse Merchant

    Written by J.P. Sloan

    Narrated by Neil Hellegers

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Dorian Lake spent years cornering the Baltimore hex-crafting market, using his skills at the hermetic arts to exact karmic justice for those whom the system has failed.

    He keeps his magic clean and free of soul-corrupting Netherwork, thus avoiding both the karmic blow-back of his practice and the notice of the Presidium, a powerful cabal of practitioners that polices the esoteric arts in America. However, when an unscrupulous Netherworker interferes with both his business and his personal life, Dorian's disarming charisma and hermetic savvy may not be enough to keep his soul out of jeopardy.

    His rival, a soul monger named Neil Osterhaus, wouldn't be such a problem were it not for Carmen, Dorian's captivating ex-lover. After two years' absence Carmen arrives at Dorian's doorstep with a problem: she sold her soul to Osterhaus, and has only two weeks to buy it back. Hoping to win back Carmen's affections, Dorian must find a replacement soul without tainting his own.

    As Dorian descends into the shadows of Baltimore's underworld, he must decide how low he is willing to stoop in order to save Carmen from eternal damnation . . . with the Presidium watching, waiting for him to cross the line.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateMay 23, 2017
    ISBN9781541474970
    The Curse Merchant

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    Reviews for The Curse Merchant

    4/5

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    • 4/5
      The Curse Merchant (The Dark Choir #1) by J.P. Sloan is a darn good read! Dorian works at a shop making hexes and charms, doesn't get into the black stuff, the Netherwork. He wants to keep his soul. His ex-girlfriend comes back into his life with a problem, claims only he can fix, his problems are just starting. He is too kind hearted...she sold her soul and she wants him to get her out of it. It is really an exciting book and full of twists and turns and great fantasy! Never dull!
    • 4/5
      ARC received from the publisher for an honest review.

      This novel is written in pulp fiction style, no not the film.

      Whilst I would hazard a guess that J P Sloan is a fan of the television show Supernatural. I think a few reviewers have seen a likeness between the world of ‘The Curse Merchant’, and ‘the Dresden Files’ and I must wholeheartedly concur. Dorian Lake is a man who sells hexes, and charms, sound familiar?

      In this story, Dorian Lake has to get his ex, Carmen out of a sticky situation, and she is in it, soul deep.

      Lake would fit very neatly into that highly stylised universe of the 1930's-1950’s dark noir, the world weary private detective.

      J P Sloan has crafted a great story with engaging, if not all likeable characters, a believable world and a great cool plot.

    • 4/5
      *Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.Dorian Lake has spent the last two years in a fog. Neglecting everything and everyone in his life seems really off to him, but he brushes it aside and attempts to get his life out of neutral. Things have been happening while he’s been lollygagging around and as he starts picking up clients for his hexes and charms again he begins to realize how much he’s missed. Why can’t he remember? When his ex-girlfriend comes to him for help, he does what he can, but he can’t help but wonder what Carmon has gotten him involved in.I like Dorian. He reminds me a lot of Harry Dresden and Harry is one of my most favorite book characters. However, I do not like his fascination or absorption with Carmon. I do not like her. At all. The book starts off slowly and I’m wondering what the hell is wrong with Dorian. He seems to be missing months and months of memory and not only does it not bother him, he doesn’t try to figure out why until well into the book. I was beginning to think I had missed something and I was on the verge of irritation. However, as he starts to wake up and smell the roses, things really start cooking for him on many burners and with the help of some friends he figures shit out about the last two years.All-in-all this is a great read about magic (both light and dark) that features a smartass hero, a few shady individuals and some excellent secondary characters. I’d definitely walk in Dorian’s world some more.
    • 5/5
      If you are looking for a book that manages to engage on every level, brings a different approach and attitude to the working of magic and ancient forces, and has a main character with heart and integrity – this is the book for you. Dorian is a practitioner who crafts charms and hexes in the city of Baltimore. His hexes and charms are fueled by karma – karma of the recipient of the charm, and can work for good or bad depending on the personal history of the charm recipient.

      Through a series of missed connections and unexpected twists, Dorian is convinced to help retrieve the soul of a former lover from a Soul Merchant in the city, and this decision brings Dorian into a series of personal choices and decisions that were, as recently as a month prior, an anathema to him.

      With the tension building as the deadlines run down and the pressure builds, watch Dorian outwit, outmaneuver and outthink the lesser skilled practitioner, as he makes decisions that will alter his life forever.

      A beautifully crafted story with the character of Dorian being both uniquely voiced and incredibly detailed. Rich in history and research, with glimpses into the actual craft as well as the price and cost of each charm cast, the craft is not voodoo or Santeria – it is far older and more basic, drawing on the essential forces and ancient beings that are often forgotten. With an eye for explaining the elemental nature of the magical powers, and clear delineations of costs, we are able to watch Dorian manipulate forces to his ends.

      As the first in a series, this book has it all. A protagonist that is relatable and likeable, with an endpoint in this book that only ends one chapter in Dorian’s quest while leaving room for more.

      I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for Full Moon Bites tours. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
    • 3/5
      This was a book that sounded very interesting. In fact, J.P. Sloan does an excellent job of creating characters that are vibrant in The Curse Merchant.Dorian Lake sells curses. He has been in a slump and finds that many things have changed everywhere during that time. Simple jobs turn into more. Friends become more complicated. Before long, Lake finds himself in a mess involving a lot of powerful people.The story was not fast paced. In fact, I easily put it down without rushing to get back to the pages. When I was reading, I was caught up in the storyline, but I'm one that likes fast paced books.The storyline of the book was very interesting and very well done. Mr. Sloan did an excellent job in creating characters and scenes that were real and deep. Each character and their actions pulled you into their world showing you their many dimensions. I have to say that the basic storyline and the characters are the best parts of the this book and the writing as a whole.For me, there were too many scenes where the narrator was going back in time to catch me up. That is just me. If the writer took these scenes out, too much vital information would be lost as well as much of the character development. So, I might not have liked it but the author did the right thing.There is a lot of language in this book. Multiple F-bombs can be found on pages throughout the book. There is also much about the occult in this book.If you like this type of book as well as first-person narratives that dive often into the mind and emotions of the narrator, check this book out. The author does an outstanding job.Note: This book was provided as part of a book tour with expectation of a positive review.