After facing a bout of bad luck, Ruby is ready to get through her last week of probation so she can get on with her life. All she wanted was to play in her punk rock band with her friend Tina, but teenage angst and rebellion got in the way. While helping a friend go through old relics, an ancient ring calls to her and clamps down on her finger, trapping her into a whirlwind adventure of demon possession, rock and roll, terror inducing encounters with a serial killer, and fleeing a lady of Hell. Can Ruby put her band back together before it’s too late to save her soul?

This was a fun, action packed, almost coming-of-age story filled with teenage angst, graphic violence, and punk rock music. I loved reading about a band of unlikely characters (and creatures) come together to save Ruby from her possession. I thought the Jewish mysticism was fascinating, the demon characters were a comical part of the story, and the friendship between Tina and Ruby was super sweet. This was such a unique horror story and packs in a lot for a story that’s just under 300 pages. The entire time I was reading this, I kept thinking of the movie Little Nicky with Adam Sandler. It gave off very similar vibes, so if you enjoyed that movie, I feel like this would be the book to pick up! The only reason it’s getting a 4 star and not a 5 is because it started off pretty slow and I also didn’t care too much for the serial killer aspect, but I really enjoyed the rest of it! Brom is an amazing writer and can’t wait to see the artwork included in the finished physical copy. If you like possessions stories, religious commentary, coming of age stories, and punk rock music, this is the one to pick up!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own and honest reviews.

4.5⭐️
Thank you Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Even on this 86•F day this book managed to give me chills.

I have only previously read Slewfoot from Brom, but it was my favorite book of the year in 2023. Evil in Me was more of a “fun” horror and, I am happy to say, also a unique story. Don’t get me wrong there were some intense scenes and some gross, gory detailed descriptions but nothing over the top for the story, it all fit together well.
The main character Ruby is very relatable and likable. And none of the characters, even those we only meet for a short time are toss aways, they all have their place and a reason in the story.
I recommend reading this and will be seeking out more of the author’s backlist to read myself.

Oh, this is cute. Loveable but troubled little scamp Ruby accidentally puts on an evil ring possessed by a demon while she's hanging out with a Jewish wizard. Yes. Really. I loved learning that Jewish people have a bit of mysticism out there. I had no idea. Anyway, the only way to save her soul is to sing the spell and get everyone else to join the chorus. Simple, right?

This is a fun, well written story and I enjoyed it very much. I liked the style and the substance. It's a little bit horror, but also a little bit coming of age and finding yourself at the same time. There was some gore. There were some deaths. There was a bit of theology. It was a fun story, and I can't wait to see the artworks in the final product.

I wish the ending was actually a little longer. I think the reunion after everything would be nice to see. That's really my only complaint.

EVIL IN ME by BROM ⭐⭐⭐/5

Can the magic of music save your soul? 🎸🎵

Evil In me is a fast-paced, rock ‘n roll death trip. We follow Ruby, a young woman struggling with mental health issues, who becomes possessed by an entity after she discovers a cursed ring that is a portal to Hell. This cursed ring becomes a beacon for evil, drawing wicked beings, hungry for her flesh.

This coming-of-age story is packed full of 80’s nostalgia and punk rock music references while it begs you to question the power of good vs. evil.

The story starts out strongly with a gory and violent prolog that explains the origin of the cursed ring, before we jump to the current timeline of non-stop action. Unfortunately, this story didn’t really work for me. I had a difficult time connecting to Ruby’s character. I found her to be rude and unlikeable. All the relationships in this story seemed superficial. I didn’t feel any sort of bond between the characters that would compel them to be there for one another. The story moved almost too fast, while the horror elements were a slow burn. There was also a secondary storyline that follows a serial killer that compulsively pursues Ruby. I found this storyline to be odd and unnecessary.

This story would have worked better for me if the serial killer storyline was eliminated and there was more focus on character building. I did enjoy the Vutto character, who is a demon minion sent by the dark Lord Sheelbeth to do her bidding. He reminded me of Ludo from Labyrinth. I also started to enjoy Ruby as a character more towards the end of the book, but ultimately wanted more.

This is my first book by BROM I’ve heard so many great things about his previous work. I plan to read Slewfoot and Krampus which have both been on my radar for some time.

I recommend this book to readers that enjoy cursed objects, possession, coming of age stories, 80’ nostalgia, punk rock music, and previous fans of BROM.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Nightfire (Tor Publishing Group) for the ARC. ❤️

I am not new to Brom. However, this one pleasantly surprised me. It was more gorey than I expected but I loved it. Right from chapter one I was screaming, "Oh, right in the eye!!"

There were plenty of characters being introduced to our story but it wasn't in a hard to keep track of way. Very easy to follow along with. Each character had their own personality that bled through the pages and I fell in love with them. Each and every one of them in their own special way. Even the villains. Even The Goddess. Even Richard. His character was a surprising element to the book that I enjoyed. The character development that our main character went through made me so happy for her by the end of the book.

The story was RICH with content. There were so many layers to this- sympathy for certain villains, feminist rage, growth, revenge, justice, true friendship and love, self empowerment, touches on mental illness and abuse, healing..... the list goes on. I noticed how there were even pieces connected to his book Lost Gods, but keeping Evil In Me as a standalone. It felt like a cool little Easter egg. 🤓

This was a fun one to read. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Brom's "Evil in Me" is a chilling exploration of darkness within—the narrative grips with its vivid imagery and deep, unsettling themes. The story unfolds with eerie suspense against a backdrop of mysterious landscapes and intricate character dynamics. Brom's mastery shines through in crafting a tale that lingers, seamlessly blending horror and psychological depth. "Evil in Me" is a haunting journey into the shadows of the human soul, leaving readers spellbound until the very end.

This was thrilling, fast-paced, and full of rock & roll and demons. I was hooked from the first page and thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. I loved the unique plot and Brom's writing style. I really enjoyed all the multiple POVs and how they all came together at the end. The main protagonist was a smidge unlikable, but I thought we saw excellent character growth by the end. Overall, I thought this was a fantastic read!

Brom's "Evil in Me" takes readers on a journey through the early eighties, blending horror with a rich musical backdrop. The story follows Ruby Tucker, an aspiring musician who discovers a cursed ring linked to an ancient demon. This ring not only brings her closer to the demon and its minions but also disrupts her small-town life as she dreams of making it big in Atlanta.

The novel is filled with entertaining music references, particularly for fans of punk and new wave, which add a unique flavor to the horror elements. Ruby's character, despite her frequent poor decisions, remains likable and relatable, making her struggles and the humorous interactions with the demons enjoyable.

While some characters are one-dimensional and the serial killer subplot feels somewhat extraneous, the novel's music scenes and the climactic gig where Ruby's band plays to save their souls are standout moments. Brom’s shift from his previous work, "Slewfoot," to this rock-infused horror novel is a refreshing change, making "Evil in Me" a fun and engaging read for both horror and music fans.

There were a few things here that I really liked! The general concept of a sort of exorcism buddy adventure between the possessed and the demon doing the possessing is brilliant, and characters are well defined… for most of the book.

However, I felt that the absolute smorgasbord of POVs managed to kill a lot of potential for tension and mystery, and that plot threads were dropped and picked up again seemingly at random, especially in the third act. I had legitimately forgotten who one character was when he showed back up again near the end. It also features a literal character development nap, which felt like such a forced way to resolve Ruby’s arc.

Overall, I think it’s a great concept with solid prose that’s being hurt by its own ambitions. A more focused version of this with more limited POVs and a greater focus on gradual character journeys would have ticked every single box for me, but unfortunately that is not the story that I have in my hands.

This was a pretty fun read.
Up front: The characters and the southern accents are annoying at first. I tried to like the characters-- to root for them, but just didn't like them. Many of them are one dimensional and trashy. (think any Rob Zombie movie). I think this was the major reason I didn't super vibe with this-- it felt less magical than previous Brom works.
There's a coning of age story, lots of demons, lots of music, and a ludicrous amount of 80s nostalgia (homophobic slurs, punk, big hair and all).

The version I read did not include the artwork, unfortunately, that will be in the published book.

For fans of Hellraiser, Evil Dead, Queen of the Damned and The Dead Take the A Train.

I could not put this one down! I absolutely adore coming of age stories. Mix in some actual demons with personal demons and *chef’s kiss*.

Thank you Netgalley, Brom and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Nightfire for the eArc of Evil In Me.

Having read a few of Brom's books in the past, I was looking forward to this one and it did not leave me disappointed. I really enjoy Brom's writing style and I'll be looking forward to the physical copy as his illustrations are amazing!

This narrative takes us into a mix of a demon trying to rein over the earth. Ruby, a young lady who is into great selection of punk music and an ancient artifact in the shape of a ring. Brom has blended these together and drafted a well paced fantasy book with horror elements. Who can resist the age old legend that punk/metal music is linked with worshipping the Devil?

I really loved Ruby, she starts off in the narrative as a naive teen and exits the story as knowledgeable women. I loved how she bonded with various characters along the way as she starts to let her guard down. Brom has a great way of balancing character development and plot pace within his books. This is a bit shorter than the likes of Lost Gods and Slewfoot but it still packs a nice punch.

4.5 stars rounded to 5 for Amazon/Netgalley/Goodreads

I could not put this book down. The story was interesting and I enjoyed the story being told from alrernate perspectives. I hope there will be a sequel at some point

This story was bizarre in the best way! I really enjoyed it and the cast of characters were great. Some were funny, some were ridiculous, some were tragic, and some were surprising favorites. All of them were well-written and this book was just so good! I couldn’t stop until the very end. Great job and I recommend this story!

A terrifying, triumphant treat— the perfect marriage of camp and creeps.

If you enjoy punk rock, lovable monsters, and a splash of humor with your horror, Evil in Me is the book for you! This was my first foray into the dark worlds of Brom, and I fully regret not embarking on this journey sooner—I’ve truly been depriving myself.

Evil in Me is simultaneously incredibly fun and deeply disturbing, and I was totally here for it. As a big fan of punk and new wave, I loved all the references to bands and artists that I personally relate to and adore. Like Ruby, I also felt more alive the first time I heard "Sonic Reducer" as a teenager. Throughout the story, Ruby finds herself hunted by seemingly every horror imaginable, from sadistic primeval lords to serial killers. But thankfully, Ruby's not just anyone! She has the magic of music on her side, weaving incantations through her lyrics and charming crowds with her mesmerizing voice. Will it be enough to free her from her inner demons and save her soul from damnation?

All in all, I couldn't have loved this book more. Evil in Me has securely cinched its spot as one of my favorite releases of the year and deservedly so. Brom's imaginative new spin on the classic themes of demonic possession and exorcism is highly refreshing & thoroughly unique. I would give this one more than five stars if I could!

All of my thanks to Brom, Tor Nightfire, & Netgalley for the ARC!

Thank you Netgalley, Brom and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Nightfire for the eArc of Evil In Me.

Having read a few of Brom's books in the past, I was looking forward to this one and it did not leave me disappointed. I really enjoy Brom's writing style and I'll be looking forward to the physical copy as his illustrations are amazing!

This narrative takes us into a mix of a demon trying to rein over the earth. Ruby, a young lady who is into great selection of punk music and an ancient artifact in the shape of a ring. Brom has blended these together and drafted a well paced fantasy book with horror elements. Who can resist the age old legend that punk/metal music is linked with worshipping the Devil?

I really loved Ruby, she starts off in the narrative as a naive teen and exits the story as knowledgeable women. I loved how she bonded with various characters along the way as she starts to let her guard down. Brom has a great way of balancing character development and plot pace within his books. This is a bit shorter than the likes of Lost Gods and Slewfoot but it still packs a nice punch.

4.5 stars rounded to 5 for Amazon/Netgalley/Goodreads

I am an absolute sucker for horror novels with strong music references and so when I heard Brom’s Evil in Me was taking a dive into this most hallowed of waters I jumped at the chance of unpacking my air guitar for just one more solo. Should you be new to selling your soul to the devil for fame and fortune (or a hundred variations of this ancient theme) here are some top tips for further investigation: Scott Leeds’s debut Schrader’s Chord, Grady Hendrix’s We Sold Our soul or Robert McCammon’s non-supernatural The Five which is an ode to taking your guitar on the road. However, my two personal favourites are poles apart, but equally impressive, Leo Darke’s really dumb horror comedy Lucifer Sam, where the late Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious comes back from the dead for one final gig and David Peake’s magnificent Corpse Paint, one of the bleakest and most nihilistic horror novels about music ever written.

Gerald Brom, generally known in the literary world as Brom, is as well known for his work as a gothic fantasy artist and illustrator, role-playing games and comics as he is a novelist. I previously read Slewfoot (2021) and was impressed by this tale of witchcraft, which was backed up by sets of his highly striking illustrations. Evil in Me follows the same blueprint, however, this time we abandon puritanical New England times and head to the early eighties, where there are whispers of the Satanic Panic and the main character is a huge fan of legendary psychobilly punk band The Cramps.

I too am a fan of The Cramps and have fond memories of watching them play at the Aberdeen Music Hall, way back in 1991. Hell, in the front row against the stage, I even briefly held hands with iconic vocalist Lux Interior. Beat that Brom! In one of Evil In Me’s many entertaining scenes aspiring musician Ruby Tucker (who is doing community service at a Christian group) gets into trouble with her boss after teaching her little kids The Cramps classic ‘Garbageman’ instead of traditional gospel music. I enjoyed the many punk, new wave and mix tapes references, which were a nice diversion to the horror, however, non-music fans might not find them so involving.

Throughout the book Ruby makes dumb decision after another, but remains endearing, whilst she tries to escape the trap of her small hometown for Atlanta and finding a way of extracting the cursed and powerful ring which ends up stuck on her finger. The ring belongs to an ancient demon and when Ruby wears the ring it brings her closer to the demon and her minions, which were pretty funny. Even though Evil in Me generally plays it straight, it does have a sense of humour, how could it not when one of the demons ends up playing drums in Ruby’s band!

Evil in Me has a terrific opening hook, jumping back several generations, somebody else has the misfortune of having the ring find their finger. Hallucinating, and under the control of the demon, the poor victim goes on a killing spree before chopping off his own fingers and eventually cutting his own throat. Not to be messed with, the ring provides a gateway to Hell and even though the demons were not scary in the slightest, this was a million miles from the types of demons you might get in Adam Nevill or Ramsey Campbell novel, they were entertaining and easier to root for than some of the human characters, some of which were rather one dimensional.

Ultimately the story was as old as the hills, rock ‘n’ roll really can save your soul. “Can I hear a “HELL YEAH! All the way at the back!” I also enjoyed the fact that by wearing the ring (I’ve read Lord of the Rings too) it acts as a beacon for evil and draws all sorts of nastiness onto her doorstep, including a serial killer. This killer is given a bigger role than he deserved (is scarier than the demons) but added little to the plot until the finish. Throw in a dysfunctional family and some caricature characters and it is no wonder Ruby is running for Atlanta to track down her old bandmate and former best friend.

I dug the way the music scenes came together and would have loved to have been at the gig which is crucial at the end of the story. This scene was very cool and I have been at a thousand gigs at tiny toilet sized venues where Ruby’s band sang to save their very souls. Evil in Me is a neat change of pace from Brom and is satisfyingly different from Slewfoot, which music fans will enjoy, other readers perhaps less so.

This was not for me. The storyline and imagery reminded me of an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. That being said, the writing is decent, although I could NOT get over the passages about worms “singing”….they may “squelch” or even “pop”, but “singing” took me right out of the moment. I also found this to be too gory for my tastes. Not a terrible book, but I personally didn’t enjoy it.

Brom's latest offering, "Evil In Me," is a non-stop action that had me reading throughout the day, sneaking a peek in here and there as I was about my chores in the day. Could I wash dishes and read? Peel vegetables and read? Pretend to have a conversation and read? I sure did! :)

The story opens on an insane scene of demonic possession, Jewish mysticism, and graphic violence that nearly peeled my eyeballs. And then, just as quickly, it moves to the daily life of young Ruby, who just wants to move to Atlanta to play punk rock with her best friend, but has to get off probation first. She has one week left. Things quickly morph from bad to worse as Ruby is possessed by a demonic ring, chased by a serial killer, bounty hunted by her mom's Jesus-loving boyfriend, and in general gets into enough trouble that I genuinely felt sorry for her. And the story is set in the 1980s, when most of America thought rock music was Satanic and the moral majority was up everyone's buttholes. I was reminded of the PMRC and Dee Snyder testifying before Congress and my brother's love of the Dead Kennedys and Black Flag during this decade.

This book was great fun and an awesome read. My thanks to Netgalley, Tor Nightfire, and the author for an opportunity to read for an honest review.

Brom is the man. Everything he writes is so smooth and easy to read. This one hits that mark as well! The story follows a girl who is possessed. She tried to get her band together so everyone can sing her “song”, chant her spell and set her free. As with all Brom works, I completely gorged myself. Fantastic, as usual.