The Witchstone, Henry H. Neff
The Witchstone, Henry H. Neff
List: $29.95 | Sale: $20.97
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The Witchstone

Author: Henry H. Neff

Series: Witchstone Series

Narrator: Ramiz Monsef

Unabridged: 17 hr 43 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/18/2024

Synopsis

An unforgettable, high-stakes, laugh-out-loud funny novel, The Witchstone blends the merciless humor of The Good Place with the madcap fantasy of Terry Pratchett.Meet Laszlo, eight-hundred-year-old demon and Hell’s least productive Curse Keeper. From his office beneath Midtown, he oversees the Drakeford Curse, which involves a pathetic family upstate and a mysterious black monolith. It’s a sexy enough assignment—colonial origins, mutating victims, et cetera—but Laszlo has no interest in maximizing the curse’s potential; he’d rather sunbathe in Ibiza, quaff martinis, and hustle the hustlers on Manhattan’s subway. Unfortunately, his division has new management, and Laszlo’s ratings are so abysmal that he’s given six days to shape up or he’ll be melted down and returned to the Primordial Ooze.Meet Maggie Drakeford, nineteen-year-old Curse Bearer. All she’s ever known is the dreary corner of the Catskills where the Drakeford Curse has devoured her father’s humanity and is rapidly laying claim to her own. The future looks hopeless, until Laszlo appears at the Drakeford farmhouse one October night and informs them that they have six days—and six days only—to break the spell before it becomes permanent. Can Maggie trust the glib and handsome Laszlo? Of course not. But she also can’t pass up an opportunity to save her family, even if it means having a demon as a guide …Thus begins a breakneck international adventure that takes our unlikely duo from a hot dog stand in Central Park to the mountains of Liechtenstein. As the clock ticks down, tough-as-nails Maggie and conniving Laszlo will uncover a secret so profound that what began as a farcical quest to break a curse will eventually threaten the very Lords of Hell.

About Henry H. Neff

Henry H. Neff, a former history teacher, has written and illustrated six acclaimed fantasy books for children, including the five-book Tapestry series and Impyrium. The Witchstone was his first novel for adults. When he’s not writing, you’ll find Henry at home in New Jersey with his wife, their two sons, and a pair of rescue pups. For more information, please visit HenryHNeff.com.

About Ramiz Monsef

Ramiz Monsef has spent several seasons as a member of Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s acting company, and he is the playwright of OSF’s 2013 production The Unfortunates. He has also appeared onstage in New York and in numerous regional productions.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Kate

A really crazy and fun read. I listened to the audiobook which was very well read by Ramiz Monsef. He had a great delivery, didn't put on radically different voices but the delineation between characters was clear. No melodrama which was excellent for me. My one tiny criticism is that Elizabeth Drake......more

Goodreads review by Charles

Mixing a dash of supernatural mischief with a sprinkle of sardonic wit, 'The Witchstone' is a whirlwind adventure that entangles an unlikely duo in a race against time, blending the charm of urban fantasy with the thrill of a caper. Laszlo, our demon protagonist, would rather be anywhere but at his d......more

Goodreads review by Virgil

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC Oh. My. God. When I tell you this is the most fun I've had with a book in a while? It's making me reconsider every other book I've crowned 5 stars. This book is in a league of its own. I review ARCs with the intention of offering constructive criticism to authors befor......more

Quotes

“I was bewitched by Laszlo, the most endearingly selfish demon you’ll ever meet, and his globe-trotting adventure to unravel a complex curse. Packed with wit, adventure, and heart, The Witchstone is a tale of magic and redemption you don’t want to miss. Wicked good fun!” Veronica Rossi, New York Times bestselling author of Under the Never Sky

“There’s something about a demon, right? Especially a less than successful one like Laszlo, who—while gleefully wicked, vain, and arrogant—harbors a nascent conscience (something he would no doubt deny)…Better buckle in—it’s going to be a thrilling ride.” Cinda Williams Chima, New York Times bestselling author of the Heir Chronicles

“Christopher Moore fans, rejoice! Henry Neff has written the snark-filled, globe-trotting, feel-good, demon-curse-breaking novel you always wanted—and you don’t even have to sell your soul for it.” Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The League of Seven

“Incandescently funny…A glorious romp that’s clever enough to keep readers infernally entertained.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A raucous fantasy novel that centers otherworldly intrigue and the meaningful bonds formed between unlikely allies.” Foreword Reviews

“So much more than urban fantasy…A sometimes horrifying, often hilarious adventure…A good fit for readers who enjoy a healthy dose of humor with their fantasy and don’t mind a bit of body horror.” Booklist

“A hilarious, horror-laced fantasy road trip novel…Neff seamlessly blends corporate satire with dark fantasy in this wisecracking race across the globe. His hidden demonic world is richly drawn and filled with a host of supernatural creatures. Tough yet vulnerable Maggie and secretly soft Laszlo will capture fantasy readers’ hearts and funny bones.” Shelf Awareness (starred review)

“This captivating audiobook proves to be an unlikely but winning blend of humor and terror…Monsef’s hilarious efforts make this a hoot of a horror story.” AudioFile

“So smart and inventive. Just loved it!” Martha Brockenbrough, award-winning author of The Game of Love and Death 

Awards

  • Gizmodo Pick
  • Geek Girl Authority Pick
  • Book Riot Pick
  • Reactor Pick
  • Foreword Magazine Pick
  • ALA Reading List Award
  • YALSA Alex Award
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