Awesome Novella by Rob j. Hayes: Demon
This is the first book I’ve read by him. His name comes up constantly whenever I ask for authors similar to Michael R. Fletcher (a favorite of mine, that deranged hack).
I initially planned to start with The Heresy Within, but it’s quite long, and being a coward, I took the shortcut. It turns out that was a great decision: Demon, the first novella in the Archive of the God Eater trilogy, was excellent. I’m hooked.
The setting is bleak; humans struggle to survive in a world invaded by demons long ago. These aren't mindless beasts, but intelligent, ferocious hunters. Humans hide deep in forests and isolated areas where they can’t even light fires, reverting to Stone Age technology just to evade detection.
Though the book is under 200 pages, it develops the main character wonderfully. The things she endures are brutal and heart-wrenching. The side characters all have distinct voices that feel authentic. It’s a story of dread and desperation, but also perseverance and hope. Hayes has a refined writing style that perfectly fits his grimdark world.
Demon is part of a "trilogy of trilogies"—a massive universe Hayes is building. Now, I’m moving on to the next trilogy in this realm: Deathless, the first book of the Annals of the God Eater. I can't wait!