Pandemonium

by Daryl Gregory
Pandemonium cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 7713
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9780345509697
  • Publisher: Del Rey
  • Published: 2008-08-26
  • Reviews: 3

Pandemonium is a unique blend of science fiction and psychological thriller, set in a world eerily similar to our own, except for one chilling difference: random acts of possession by entities from the collective unconscious. These entities, ranging from the bizarre to the horrific, target ordinary people, turning their lives into nightmares. Del Pierce, a man haunted by a demonic entity called the Hellion, embarks on a desperate quest for a cure, leading him to encounter a secret society, a possessed science fiction writer, and a nun who stirs unchaste feelings. The novel explores themes of identity, the nature of good and evil, and the blurred lines between sanity and madness. /n/n Gregory's debut novel is praised for its clever mix of pop culture and pathos, with a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of its characters, making it a compelling read for fans of speculative fiction. With its intricate plot and well-developed characters, Pandemonium is a standout in the genre, offering a fresh take on the possession trope.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-12-16
good 3.50

The book is engaging and pulls the reader along, but it feels somewhat simplistic and lacks depth. The story is straightforward and does what it sets out to do, but it doesn't stand out as particularly memorable.

This reviewer found the book to be entertaining and easy to read, but they felt it was a bit lackluster in terms of depth and originality. The story moves along at a steady pace and keeps the reader's attention, but it doesn't delve too deeply into its themes or characters. The reviewer likened it to a Blues Brothers police car, suggesting that while it's functional and gets the job done, it's not particularly impressive or unique. Overall, it's a good read for those looking for something light and engaging, but it may not leave a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    This is not a bad book. It pulls you along, it says what it says and does what it does but it's like the Blues Brothers' police car.

Book Reviews Forevermore · 2014-10-11
satisfying 4.50

The book is satisfying on both a thematic and character level, with complex characters and a good balance of dark humor. The writing is truly fine, making it a memorable read.

This reviewer found the book to be a highly satisfying read, praising its complex characterization and the effective use of dark humor. They appreciated the depth and nuance of the characters, which added a lot to the story. The reviewer also noted the high quality of the writing, which they described as truly fine. The balance between the dark themes and moments of humor was particularly well-executed, making the book both thought-provoking and enjoyable. Overall, they found it to be a memorable and rewarding read, with a good pace and a satisfying conclusion.

Quick quotes

    Add in some complex characterization, dashes of dark humor and develop it with truly fine writing, and I'm served a book that satisfying on both

Reading the End · 2014-03-14
engaging 4.00

The premise is incredibly creepy and intriguing, but the attempts to explain the mechanics of possession fall short. The characters are well-developed and engaging, which helps to carry the story.

This reviewer was captivated by the book's premise, which they found to be fantastically creepy and thought-provoking. However, they felt that the explanations for how the possessions work and what causes them were not as compelling as the premise itself. The characters, on the other hand, were praised for their complexity and depth, which added a lot to the story. The reviewer appreciated the effort to explore the psychological and emotional aspects of possession, but they felt that the book could have delved even deeper into these themes. Overall, they found it to be a compelling and enjoyable read, despite some minor shortcomings.

Quick quotes

    The premise is so fantastically creepy that attempts to explain how the possessions work and what might be causing them fall flat.

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