As usual, sliding into this review months after it was actually published.

I'm not sure that I would have recommended this book to anyone - I was consistently confused on the intended audience; a lot of the humor of the book reads on the juvenile side, but the body horror elements feel intended for a mature audience. The ~vibe~ if there is one, reminded me very vaguely of The Guncle, but if you replaced Hollywood for demons and witches and ancient curses.

What a fun book! The writing, especially the dialogue, had me laughing right up until the end. Laszlo is one of my favorite characters - he’s nuanced, witty & a Paul Newman lookalike. Lump & Maggie were perfectly written siblings - between the spats & tender moments I feel like Neff really encapsulated a true brother/sister dynamic. The ending definitely seemed open to the possibility of more adventures from this trio & I really hope that’s the case!

The Witchstone is such a fantastic book! I loved everything about it. The characters were funny and smart, especially Lazlo and the Drakeford kids. There is so much to like about this one, the writing style was very fast which had me flying through the book. The setting was great and believable. I loved Lazlo and his snark. I hope if I am ever cursed, he is my curse keeper. While not super dependable, he does follow through when it matters. The Drakefords were also great. Maggie was strong, kind, and funny as heck. Lump is the little brother with the questions and even some answers. I loved this one and hope the author will revisit this motley crew, there are more stories to tell.

An amusing and chuckle-out-loud adventure, considering the subject matter. Proof that abject humour could make anything involving demons and Hell Much Less Frightening.

⭐️: 4.75 / 5

Publication Date: June 18, 2024

I want to thank Blackstone Publishing and Net Galley for allowing me to get an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The first chapter had me immediately hooked. Some of the coolest aspects of this story, was the balance in tone between being both eerie and ominous while light with comedic moments. This starts set in a modern day New York following a demon and the Drakefords. The story focuses around a family curse that has been following the Drakefords for generations.

As for my reservations, I didn’t always find some of the characters and their interpersonal relationships to be all that believable. There were a few minor pacing issues towards the end of the book when the drama had built to a crescendo but also seemed to slow down unnecessarily.

Overall I absolutely enjoyed this book from start to finish. Every time I thought I had figured out the direction it was going in there would be a shocking twist. I would absolutely recommend it for people interested in a spooky story with elements of humor, but I’ll admit this is not for the faint of heart.

Would recommend for those who are fans of
- Linear timelines
- Settings around the world
- Demons, curses and ghosts
- October

⚠️ violence, gore, body horror

What a fun and simultaneously emotional novel. It's hard to nail flippant humor in writing. It can often come off as either snide or simple, but Neff manages to create an endearing character in Laszlo that isn't grating. The reader is rooting for everyone to get their best outcomes, even demons.

While sweet, I think this book fails to capture its audience well, leading to an oddly paced plot, unmemorable characters, and a somewhat boring time.

Received as an ARC from Netgalley:

THIS WAS A MASSIVE SURPRISE in all of the best ways. The novel is very epic in scope but manages to make a globetrotting adventure feel very character focused. The main cast is endlessly loveable and the main plot keeps you guessing until the very end.

A fail son nepo-Demon is forced to take charge of a curse he's been mismanaging for years. I won't delve more into the plot as the ride is really worth it. You begin the book thinking it's going to be more strictly comedy focused but it manages to balance comedy, horror, and action exceptionally well.

Easily one of my favourite reads of the year that left me with tears by the end because you just love the main cast so much.

Stepping into "The Witchstone" by Neff, readers are treated to a devilishly delightful blend of urban fantasy and caper, where curses and corporate Hell collide in an unexpectedly humorous narrative. Laszlo, a demon cursed with the mundane job of Curse Keeper in Hell, begrudgingly navigates through his days until he meets Maggie Drakeford, a young Curse Bearer whose journey thrusts them into an unlikely partnership.

Neff's narrative shines with a sardonic wit that permeates every page, making Laszlo a standout character with his nonchalant demeanor and sharp humor. The dynamic between Laszlo and Maggie is refreshingly platonic, eschewing romantic tropes for a deep, friendship-based bond that anchors the story. Maggie, though initially reserved, evolves throughout the tale, offering glimpses of her resilience and growth.

The world-building in "The Witchstone" is both imaginative and grounded, with Hell depicted as a corporate office complete with bureaucratic demons and unexpected twists. Neff deftly balances humor with darker themes, delivering an engaging plot that keeps readers entertained and invested. From the grotesque yet effective scenes to the witty dialogue and intriguing characters like Lump and Signora Bellascura, the story unfolds with cinematic flair.

While Maggie's character development could have been more pronounced, especially towards the end, the overall narrative remains a compelling read. Neff's ability to blend supernatural elements with a caper-like quest adds layers of intrigue, leaving readers curious about the alternate directions the story could have taken.

In conclusion, "The Witchstone" is a standout urban fantasy that captivates with its humor, richly drawn characters, and imaginative world-building. Whether it sparks the beginning of a series or stands alone, this book is a testament to Neff's storytelling prowess and leaves readers eagerly anticipating what's next in store from this talented author.

Such a unique story!

This felt like a fantasy/horror comedy adjacent to a season of Buffy or Supernatural. It had banter, morally grey characters who were demons, and two fun kids seeking to end their family curse.

At points, it felt a bit sluggish, but it was still amusing to listen to. The one liners are many and I think of everything, that’s what I enjoyed the most.

This book is such a charmer! Fast-paced, funny, emotional without being devastating, and I unwittingly picked it to read while on a family vacay in the Catskills, very near the area where part of the story is set. A really compelling and satisfying read!

I always love a charming devil, and the demon Laszlo is a prime example of the species. He's a smooth talker, a gadabout, glowing when he succeeds and hilarious when he fails—and he's got one of those secret soft hearts essential to a good hopeful story. He shares the spotlight with Maggie, the human bearer of the monstrous curse Laszlo is supposed to be in charge of, brilliant and badass in extremely relatable ways, determined and clever and loyal! And little brother Lump, who is just precious, and in my mind looks like a ten-year-old Elton John, rounds out a perfect trio for rollicking adventure.

This story is so well-paced, and so carefully wrought, imo! It's just predictable enough to be intensely compelling and satisfying; it's just touching enough to make me cry a little; there are just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, and it ends with much-awaited triumph that really soared. For me it never tips too far over into its tropes, and always takes itself just seriously enough. On reflection I think this is partly because of the excellent character development, but also there were moments in here that truly surprised me, despite the structure of the story being a very familiar one.

Truly a hidden gem, and I hope Neff is planning a sequel!

Henry H. Neff's book The Witchstone follows an idle rake of a demon named Laszlo who works in curse management. In order to save his job and his life following a bad performance review, he is given 6 days to bring misery to his assigned curse bearers, a human family cursed by a witch centuries ago. The humans, siblings Maggie and George "Lump" Drakeford, are eager at the prospect of breaking their family curse when Laszlo appears, claiming that he can help them before it becomes unbreakable. As they journey from a small rural town to NYC and across the globe, the demon and his companions learn that the curse is more than meets the eye, carrying a secret millennia in the making.
Heff brings a bureaucratic hierarchy of demons to life in a way that would entertain any fan of Terry Gilliam or What We Do in the Shadows. But with it also comes a great sense of adventure and scale, as the book handles family drama both human and other worldly.
Readers may have issues with the length of the book, especially when reveals may come to the reader before they are explained in the book. And the writing for the main human characters comes off a bit flat and repetitive, especially when we constantly hear how much Laszlo is exhausted by Lump's explanations of important details.
Overall the book holds up well and I would recommend it to other dark fantasy readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the free ARC.

This needs to be a series of novels! No, more than needs to be a Netflix series. I know Laszlo is repeatedly described as looking like Paul Neuman but I can’t help picturing David Tennant every time he gets quirky and has to worm his way out of a situation. A fun, enjoyable work of magic and world building, Laszlo is a demon who has a deadline to inflict unspeakable anguish on the barers of the curse he is in charge of keeping. Unfortunately, he’s kind of lazy and entitled and has never really had to work for anyone or care about anything before. He’s more than a bit of a leech. A very charming, handsome leech with lots of tricks up his sleeves. Enter his curse bearers, Maggie and Lump, who are both clever if naive young people that seek to save their dad and themselves from the curse overtaking them and turning them into monsters. They can’t trust a demon though, right? Even if he is their only hope? Accept they bring out the best in him. As the three of them tromp around the globe seeking to find artifacts to break the curse, their lives are in one another’s hands. Lots of thrills and funny mishaps, tons of quips and enjoyable supernatural characters. I particularly loved Clarence! I do wish that Laszlo and Maggie ended up together but I know a lot of people prefer their friendship. Still I think there’s a lot of potential chemistry. Super fun book. I loved it.

Funny and rollicking. I think this would be a great choice for one of our book clubs. We will be ordering for our library.

I had a difficult time getting through this book. The Plot was entertaining and original, but it took me too long to get into. Laszlo's character was funny and I enjoyed the banter, but at times it seemed a little OTT. The quests were a fun part of the book, I just wasn't invested enough to be hooked. I didn't enjoy Maggie's character, she seemed dull and flat to me.

One day Laszlo goes into the office to find he not only has a new supervisor,  but they are shaking things up and getting rid of the dead weight. So instead of facing imminent destruction like his colleagues,  he lies like the demon he is and wins himself one standard hell week to improve his numbers and save his hide. Laszlo grabs his curse keeper gear and is off to help Maggie and Lump break the family curse.
THE WITCHSTONE is a well written story that draws the reader into a fictional world of demons and curses. It has some surprises, and instead of despising the demon, you find yourself asking if this is for real? The cast of characters is memorable and, at times, comedic.

I enjoyed this book. I don't know what I expected when I first started reading it, but it definitely exceeded my expectations.

The characters were well done, and I really enjoyed their parts in the overall story. The siblings adventuring together with the witless demon was fun. Watching the family succumb to their curse was a little heartbreaking. It was also a little gross that they change into blobby monstrous things. The banter was great, and the fact that you begin to feel for the halfwit demon is the mark of a good writer.

Overall I liked the plot, and I enjoyed the twists and turns. You should give this book a chance if you like fantasy without romance, adventure, good banter, and good character growth.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. This was exactly what I have been looking for ever since I finished watching the Good Place. Though it lacks the philosophical depth of the beloved show, its humor and setting are reminiscent enough to scratch that itch. We follow Laszlo, a rather unmotivated curse warden who loves humanity. That’s not to say that he’s soft—he just enjoys out-conning tourists on the trains and eating human foods. Without spoilers, this book would fit right at home among Terry Pratchett fans and fills a particular need for light humor, heart, and an easy read. My main concern: this was a fall book. It had no business being published in summer when its core audience is busy reading romance.

A humorous and fast-paced race around the world for a demon and the curse-bearers he is responsible for. I enjoyed the humor spread throughout this book as well as the pacing. Though quite funny, the book does cover serious events and does have graphic violence/mature themes so I would recommend it for adults and older young adults. Few books can make a demon character an enjoyable and a funny favorite. I also enjoyed many of the featured side characters. To me, the pacing felt appropriate and no section felt too slow or drawn out. I would recommend this book to readers who have enjoyed titles such as Good Omens.

This story had an Incredibly Creative premise!

I did struggle with it at times and felt it was longer than it needed to be but it was enjoyable most of the time. The two POV characters of Maggie and Lazlo were a nice duo, Lazlo being comic relief and Maggie being the heart and grit of the story. In the beginning I think I was hoping for a romance between them but by the end I was so happy the story didn’t go in that direction.

I couldn’t picture the time period it was set in at first then it became quickly apparent that it was modern.

There is some unexpectedly squeamish body horror at times. Then it got kind of rapey. The horror elements were surprisingly effective when you least expected it.

The way everything wrapped up at the end was clever but part of it didn’t feel satisfactory or enjoyable. The epilogue was great though.