An Attorney Jacob Freeman, his doctor wife, Rebecca, and their 10-year-old daughter, Micah, find their lives turned upside down when the world seems to go crazy overnight. As their neighbors—some transformed into nightmarish creatures—murder each other outside their front door, Jacob feels himself fighting the growing “Darkness” within him as horns begin sprouting from his skull. When he gets control of the evil thoughts plaguing him, he and his wife decide to take their daughter and leave their neighborhood in search of other possible survivors. After meeting Judith, a seductive young woman who now has a tail and some supernatural abilities, Jacob resolves to manipulate her into joining their group—though his very upset wife disagrees with this decision. The group of four begins “a voyage of discovery, a post-apocalyptic Lewis and Clark charting the ruins.” Along the way, they meet numerous horrific characters which includes the Ghoul and the Pale Gentleman—some of whom offer to help the travelers while others plot to kill them. Complicating matters is the intense love/hate relationship between Jacob and Rebecca, and the transformation of Micah, who begins growing wings
Is scary .

The author has written a grim and gruesome horror novel which includes the supernatural spreading through the world. The worldbuilding, excellent character development, and dynamics between the characters (particularly Jacob, Rebecca, and Micah) more than make up for these shortcomings. The chapters seem rushed and disjointed which makes me think that the author is planning a sequel? I liked the overall plot of the novel.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/ublisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The world has gone to hell. Some people have become demons with superpowers and others have become erratic and violent. We follow Jacob, Rebecca and Micah as they learn about their new world.

This book had such an interesting premise but it fell somewhat flat for me. There were elements I liked, especially towards the start like when Jacob started transforming. I also mostly liked Micah and some of the interactions she had. But mostly the characters frustrated me (which can work well I some cases but here this meant I was less invested in what happened to them) and the story was a little messy at times (and I’m not talking about the violence/gore/body horror which was actually pretty well written a lot of the time).

Thank you NetGalley and Demon Mythos for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Nature of Demons is an original take on the ever-growing dystopian genre, dealing specifically with the battle against one’s own darkness and impulses. I found it compelling and fun, even if the ending left too many loose threads.

The story follows Jacob Freeman and his family, navigating a new and terrifying world after a catastrophic supernatural event: something (unspecified) happened that transformed part of the population into supernatural -and mostly evil- beings, and another portion into violent lunatics who follow their most basic impulses.

This book is strongest at its worldbuilding. The demons’ varied abilities, natures, and occasional backstories are fascinating; the concept of powers stemming from a person’s pre-existing darkness is compelling, and Jacob’s struggle to negotiate with his own is a highlight of the story. There are also some very interesting side characters like the Ghoul and the Pale Gentleman, even if they have limited page time. The pacing is well handled, balancing gore and violence with quieter moments that give the reader room to breathe.

Some elements didn’t work as well for me: despite being described as very smart, throughout the book, Rebeccah is stubborn to the point of idiocy and refuses to even consider the new reality, even when it puts her daughter in danger. She makes a point of distrusting and disliking Jacob despite their apparently solid pre-apocalypse relationship. Overall, I feel she could have been written better -either she’s an idiot from the get-go, or she needs to step up.
The ending is also unsatisfying: major plot threads remain unresolved, with the antagonist still chasing the group, mysteries about the Lady and Micah’s light left unexplored, and the decision to settle in what appears to be a safe haven without addressing these larger dangers seems questionable. In addition, the use of U.S. locations without sufficient context made it harder to follow the scope of the group’s movements for a reader unfamiliar with the geography - could I do a Google Maps search? Yes, but that's going to shatter any immersion.

Despite these issues, The Nature of Demons was a fun, wild read -a different take on post-apocalyptic fiction. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for supernatural survival horror, as long as they’re in for the ride and not the conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jacob Freeman has become victim of whatever supernatural force has taken over civilization. The community is turning into creatures that are consumed by their darkest desires. Jacob, as we know, has turned into a demon with horns and everything. It seems like the only people who haven't turned are Jacob's wife, Rebecca, and daughter, Micah. Until Micah starts changing. Despite being a demon, Jacob is doing everything in his power to not be controlled by the urges he has within and to protect his family from the rest of the "crazies." Jacob and his family encounter another demon who Jacob has decided to engage in a "contract" with in order to get some help to protect his family. This is a story of redemption and having hope in the midst of chaos.

I went into this thinking that these demons were going to be the cliche type of demons you read elsewhere - corrupted, maniacal, haunting, and dangerous. While some of the crazies that weren't central to the main characters depicted these characteristics, I was expecting something totally different and so much more. This read as a dystopian to me, and I am not a fan of dystopians. I will also admit as well that I kinda lost concentration and didn't understand what was happening for the last 30% of the book. I gave this three stars because I loved the concept, but it read too much like a Walking Dead situation, but with demons. One thing I really enjoyed was the author's ability to describe what these demons looked like and the gory details of their bodily functions and any death scene.

How far would you go to protect your family, even after becoming something you don't understand? It was interesting to see all the choices that Jacob made to protect his family and the dark thoughts that he had to fight through to keep them safe.

Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!

Absolutely beautiful! I've never read anything as beautiful as this especially because this was a genre I wasn't a fan of initially. Now, I'm sold completely. Whatever J. D. Carmicle writes, I will be reading it..

I had the pleasure of reading an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of The Nature of Demons by J.D. Carmicle, and from the very first page, it pulled me into a bold, emotionally charged, and refreshingly unique take on apocalyptic fiction. This was my first experience with Carmicle’s work, and I’m already looking forward to reading more of his literary creations.

The story kicks off with what seems to be a familiar dystopian premise—the sudden and mysterious end of the world. But it quickly pivots into something far more original: random people begin transforming into demons. Some are granted terrifying powers, others remain physically changed but powerless, and many are untouched, forced to navigate this nightmarish new world alongside those who are no longer fully human.

At the core of the narrative is the Freeman family—Jacob, his wife Rebecca, and their daughter Micah—who must fight to survive, but also to stay connected through trauma, fear, and Jacob’s own transformation. He becomes a horned demon with potent telekinetic abilities and is forced to wrestle with his dual identity: the protective father and husband versus the growing, volatile presence of something darker inside him. This internal struggle is one of the most compelling elements of the novel and adds a layer of emotional depth often missing in post-apocalyptic tales.

Rebecca and Micah remain the emotional anchor of the story, and Carmicle does a fantastic job of giving them agency and presence. Rebecca, in particular, is portrayed with a strong yet grounded resilience, a woman forced to hold her family together even as it fractures from the inside out. Micah adds vulnerability and innocence to the narrative, grounding the stakes in something profoundly human as the new world is seen through her child eyes.

One of the most fascinating dynamics in the novel emerges with the introduction of Judith, a demon with a tail and the ability to teleport. Judith’s role is far more than that of a mysterious stranger—she becomes deeply entangled with the Freeman family, particularly with Jacob. With an allure that’s both supernatural and psychological, Judith tests Jacob’s resolve in many ways. Her seductive nature tempts him toward his demon side, forcing Jacob to confront desires that threaten to unravel everything he’s fought to preserve. The tension between them crackles with danger and complexity, adding another emotional layer to Jacob’s already fractured identity. But her role isn't simple. She develops a surprisingly close bond with Micah, which begins to erode the boundaries of trust within the family. Rebecca, already burdened by fear and uncertainty, grows visibly jealous of Judith’s growing influence—not just over Micah, but over Jacob as well.

Carmicle’s prose is sharp and atmospheric, pulling readers into a vivid, terrifying world without over-explaining. The pacing is generally strong, though some chapters do run a bit long and could benefit from tighter editing to maintain momentum. Still, the slow burns are worth it for the emotional payoff they often bring.

If I had one major critique, it would be the final confrontation with the serpent demon Lamia. The book does an excellent job building tension as Lamia captures Rebecca and Micah, setting the stage for what promises to be a harrowing, climactic showdown. But the actual fight, while intense, is too brief to fully satisfy the narrative buildup. After so much emotional investment, the quick resolution left me wanting more.

That said, these issues are minor in the grand scheme. The Nature of Demons delivers a deeply original, emotionally complex, and action-packed journey. It’s not just a story about surviving the end of the world—it’s about resisting the demons within, even when they promise power, pleasure, and escape.

J.D. Carmicle has crafted a world that’s as haunting as it is thought-provoking, populated with characters you won’t forget and moral choices that cut deep. If you're a fan of supernatural dystopian fiction with real emotional stakes, this is a must-read.

Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 Slays – GIVE ME MORE

When the world ends in chaos and demons take over, Jacob will do anything to protect his wife and daughter—even if it means embracing the darkness within himself.

J.D. Carmicle delivers a gripping, gory, and emotional story full of demons, angels, battles, and love. The worldbuilding is rich, the characters unforgettable, and the balance of horror and heart is masterful. I didn’t expect to care about a ghoul who eats the dead—but here we are.

The beginning starts a little wobbly, but give it two chapters—it’s absolutely worth it. If you liked Devilman Crybaby, this is your next obsession. I need more of this world and its wild, wonderful cast.

Thanks to NetGalley and J.D. Carmicle for letting me read and review this unforgettable ride.

Read via net galley

JDC wrote a book that seems to fit in with horror stories of old. Fat people are evil, women are evil, wives are nagging bitches, and so on. There were a few errors in the text. Throughout the first 25%, I thought there was a chance JDC the author likes women. After that, I really wasn’t sure. Surprisingly, the first Rebecca chapter was the best. I think it had the best writing over all, and I really got a sense for her and she felt fleshed out. If we spent more time in her point of view I think the book would be better overall.

This book was tagged new adult, which it absolutely is not. Jacob is 38 and has a ten year old child. It’s a very run of the mill book with a run of the mill pathetic and disgusting man as the protagonist. He’s a perv, a cheater, a drunk- the list goes on. I felt misled by the blurb and wish I had read reviews before I went for it.

There were parts of the world building that I really liked. I would have loved more digging into the Light and other angels (seriously, why do they never refer to Micah as an angel?).

3.25/5 ⭐️
I really liked the concept. I did like the love/hate relationship with the main character. It felt true to the nature of what a demon leans towards being. I like the eerie horror, chaotic hell things that take over the world. I was fine the first half of this book. I was enjoying the chaotic characters and the crazy lore. The new dynamic between the dad and the rest of his family. And then somewhere in the middle I got a bit lost and the story started to rush toward the ending.

The Nature of Demons by J.D. Carmicle is a dark, atmospheric tale that blends supernatural intrigue with rich world-building. Carmicle has a gift for crafting morally complex characters, and the tension between good and evil is handled with nuance and depth. The pacing builds steadily, keeping the reader hooked as layers of the story unfold.

While a few moments felt slightly drawn out, the payoff was well worth it. The lore surrounding the demons is particularly fascinating, original and haunting in the best way. This is a gripping read for fans of dark fantasy who crave both action and psychological depth.

Highly recommended, and I’ll definitely be continuing with this series!

I really enjoyed this book! The pacing definitely was slow during the middle, and I absolutely didn't like our main character at all, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying the story. And I don't think we were really meant to like him in the first place. I love adventures at the end of the world stories.

This book isn’t bad per se, but it is not what I wanted to read. It reads very light and almost like a horror comedy in tone. It came off as a fun adventure at the end of the world instead of the tense creepy read I was expecting. Not bad, just not for me.

The Nature of Demons by J.D. Carmicle takes place at end of days. Hell has opened and the demons are now running the world. Jacob has been infected but he makes a deal with the devil, so to speak, all so he can save his daughter. The Nature of Demons is a quick disturbing story. It is everything you want in a post-apocalyptic horror story. I would love read a second in the series to see what happens next.

Thanks to NetGalley, Demon Mythos, and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the advanced copy.

The main plot is a Jacob Freeman trying to keep his family alive in the changed world while trying not to lose himself to the Darkness that has changed him to a demon.
Reads like a smash up between The Sadness (Or Crossed) and the Devils in Chainsaw Man--Just as twisted with messed up descriptions and those with supernatural abilities causing chaos where they go.
Unfortunately the writing style wasn't for me. It felt to be a lot of telling and not showing, leading to what action scenes there were to feel disjointed in the end. What doesn't disappoint is the extreme gore and body horror and the extent of human suffering. The beginning was interesting but it went in a route I wasn't expecting and it lost me.
I really wanted to like this but it fell short of expectations.

What a quick and weird read! It did drag at times for me but it was so strange and gory it kept me interested in where the hell the plot was going. I really enjoy different takes on apocalyptic times and this one definitely had its own unique and humorous at times spin on it!

This apocalyptic novel describes the world when an unknown occurrence happens. All the sudden there are ‘norms’, ‘the dark’ and ‘the light’. Jacob believes himself to be a demon but lacks some of the most violent tendencies. I found this speculative work of fiction very interesting. The actions of each character were so vile yet there was great care for Rebecca and Micah. I felt the reader was made to think of Micah as an angel, so very opposite her dad and Judith. I had very mixed feelings about Jacob. He had no qualms about taking out the ‘crazies’ but could restrain himself when encountering others. I think his lawyer experience made him an excellent negotiator except when he trapped Judith into becoming his ‘indentured servant’. He must have seen some kind of redeeming qualities within her to first trap her. Their relationship changed allowing the reader to understand the constant battle within Jacob. Out of all the characters of this book, the Pale Gentleman was the most terrifying. The collection of artifacts he was amassing would someday make him a powerful entity in this future world. It will be interrogated see if there will be another book coming about these characters. I, for one,would read the book. I have more questions about Micah, does Judith continue to help Jacob, and what is next for this group.

I’ll admit—I was skeptical at first. JD Carmicle’s debut, not much buzz or hype. But don’t let that stop you.

This one had me locked in fast. Carmicle wastes no time—opening with a wild intro and diving straight into eerie mysteries, supernatural twists, and some seriously gruesome deaths.

One specific detail I loved: the interludes that gave backstory and context to secondary characters. It added depth in a way I really appreciated.

If you’re into end-of-the-world stories with a fresh spin, this one’s for you. Honestly, it felt like a cooler, more engaging version of The Last of Us. If that’s your vibe, you’ll love this.

This book grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go. The Nature of Demons is a wild, emotional ride through apocalypse, family bonds, and the monster within us all. We follow Jacob, Rebecca, and their daughter Micah as their world shatters overnight, and yes, the stakes are high.

Jacob’s transformation into part-demon is wild and gruesome, but it’s his desperate struggle to guard his family that gave the chaos heart. Micah stole every scene she was in. Her resilience and mystery made me root for her through every shock. Rebecca shines as the calm and capable anchor in this storm. Their family dynamic is harrowing and deeply human amid the madness.

The atmosphere is intense and often brutal. There are moments that genuinely lingered in my mind like haunting echoes. That said, the pacing slowed in the middle and a few chapters drifted a bit. Tightening those would make the tension land even harder.

If you’re craving gore, apocalyptic tension, supernatural horror, and a story with emotional grit at its core, The Nature of Demons delivered. It’s chaotic, it’s dark, and it actually means something.

A good concept and an amazing opening. However I found that the pacing fell off track as did the overall story. I found that by the halfway mark I got quite bored whilst reading it, and by the 80% mark the story was quite dull and I just felt disappointed.