4 stars

This is only my second Brom book, but it won't be my last.

Ruby, the m.c., is a young musician whose family has caused her a lot of pain. On top of that, she's struggling to overcome some other personal challenges that have hindered her small-town musical dreams.

Sometimes, it's easy to think your life is falling apart, but then a demon comes and puts it all into perspective (right?!). Well, that's what happens to Ruby when she is possessed by one!

Prospective readers need to be prepared for some quirky ideas and writing, and if they can find an appreciation for this, they will really enjoy the absurdities and at times surprising infusions of humor present throughout this otherwise expectedly dark horror novel.

Brom is a true individual, and the characters and plotlines consistently reflect this. I can't wait for whatever creepy, bizarre ideas ooze forth next!

Ruby Tucker is an aspiring musician trapped in a dead-end life in a small rural town. Ruby stumbles upon an ancient, cursed ring infused with a blood-thirsty demon's spirit. The demon inside demands a horrific toll, and the only way Ruby can free herself is by leading hundreds of people in a chant to break the curse. The ring also acts as a beacon for evil, attracting a monstrous horde for her blood, but Ruby isn't about to back down. With her soul on the line, she must reunite her band and harness the power of music to save herself.

Ruby is a hot mess character that will make you root for her salvation. Ruby's battle is not just about her fight for her soul but also about finding her voice and reclaiming her identity. The book has a fast-paced plot, dynamic characters, and striking imagery that will appease fans of horror and dark fantasy. The book's opening will grab you, and you will not be able to put this down as if it has a hold on you. I received the audio edition, and the music and narration brought the whole book to life. It will have you singing along and cheering.

I received an ARC audiobook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and MacMillan Audio.

I’ve read three books by Brom going into this one and I was pleasantly surprised by how gorey the book was!!! I loved all the characters, especially the older gentleman that turned into a serial unaliver later in life because he is simply bored. 😂

The audiobook was great! Narrated by
Shahjehan Khan, Stephanie Németh-Parker

It also has original music. The title track, "Evil in Me," is performed by The Maxines and written by Brom and AJ Grey of The Maxines.


So many layers to this storyline include:
Demonic possession
Graphic violence
Revenge
Rage
Serial killer
Bounty hunter
Friendship
Self empowerment
Mental illness
Abuse
Healing

Brom just gets better with each book he writes. This is probably one of his best. The opening of this book is gory, and it is something I will defiantly remember for a long time. I enjoyed the mental illness aspect that Ruby delt with throughout the story. It makes you realize that many people out in the world deal with issues like these on a daily basis.

Also, the Richard (Dick) parts were extremely chilling. Having the chance, as a reader, to dive into the mind of a serial killer and see things from his prospective was a real disturbing treat and completely unexpected. I (almost) found myself looking forward to the end of chapters so that I could find out what was going on with Richard and what he was thinking.

I didn't really find any slow parts in this book. The only part I would consider slow (as far as pacing would go) would be the part leading up to Ruby getting the ring. But I wouldn't consider that too slow because you learn about her mental illness and her relationship with her mother, stepfather and stepbrother. So, that part of the book was necessary for character building and is pretty entertaining.

Also, Brom has a knack for showing the reader how horrible people can be in the world. It's a true grit aspect of his writing that I really like. It's something that I appreciate and look forward to when I get a Brom book in my hands.

I knew from reading the synopsis that a song would be involved in the story but reading lyrics to a song that I have never heard the melody to be a bit much for me. I tried to make it sound like something catchy in my mind, but I failed and that's not on Brom, that's on me. I typically skip over song lyrics in books because of this BUT the lyrics in this song are a critical part of the story so I had to pay attention to them. I figured it out in the end. I appreciate you helping me grow as a reader Brom.

Throw in a demonic ring, a lot of demons, some punk rock and a race to save Ruby's soul and it was a great ride!

The narrator did a great job switching back and forth between characters and accents. The song being used was a bit distracting, but it did shed light on what it Evil in Me is supposed to sound like. It did make the lyrics flow across the page better.

This is my favorite Brom novel to date. It is a really fun blend of horror and fantasy with some great lore to it. It would really make a great series if Brom decides to expand on it. The audiobook was top notch with great music and sound effects for the various demons that are encountered. Overall highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me an audiobook arc of this title.

I'm so excited to listen to this one! My college friend, Shahjehan Khan, is one of the narrators!!! Review to come.