Hellbound

This is so far quite simply the best book I have read on authonomy - so original, so fast paced, so thought provoking; absolutely superb, if a little chilling (despite the heat!). Backed immediately and totally worthy of the six stars awarded. Have read to chapter six and although short of time will squeeze in another before logging off.

Tim CAN ANYONE SAY BRILLIANT....This is amazing on so many levels I don't even know where to begin.
First of all making GUILT his strongest weapon was genious...as in life it is our biggest downfall and stronghold on preventing us from moving foward...The way you make satan The Keeper and not the cause of the pain and suffering outstanding, It was quite eerir in the first chapter with the confrontation with the devil...though I know you backed my book I don't know if you reached the last chapter where I actually ended it with a poem called "The Final hour whre I confront Satan and His destiny...If you get a chance to go back and read it I think you will enjoy based on what I've read here.

But back to you and this amazing premise the possibilities you've created are endless I read 9 chapters in a blink...a credit to your pacing...Your main character is so natural and we immediately get pulled into the likes of hell without even a notice. I truly hope this gets picked up quickly it deserves it...Fantastic..You write cleanly and cleverily. Your prose are impeccable there are a few typos like all of us but detract nothing from this Masterpiece...BRAVO Backed with excitement and I will come back to finish Patricia aka Columbia Layers of the Heart

In my humble opinion you have successfully gave a new spin on the old theme. Not an easy way of doing and your book is written so well that I just can't get enough. This will be one page flipping book from cover to cover. Trully amazing. I have nothing else but praise for your work and the sheer number of comments supports this. Best of luck!

I don't like horror, but this is a great story! You might want to look for a movie producer rather than a publisher!! i could see this on the big screen. This is sooo scary, but perfect. I love it!!1 So visual...so real...back and forth from Michael's horror to satan's delight., even an undertone of humor... I wish i could back it twice. Good job!!! No, Fantastic!!. Wave to us from the editor's desk, will you??

Wow! I am so impressed I hardly know how to comment. Of course, your writing style is great, accomplished and polished, but the premise and execution of such is mind boggling. This is a thinker's book. A strong voice relating all the vices that keep people from spiritually advancing and the price paid for base thinking. Weaved into the story arc of this book are multiple concepts that can move the heart of even a dullard. It reminds me of the saying, 'all paths lead to God.' Even a convoluted story that starts with the bowels of hell and Satan, can lead a reader to spiritual introspection. Great work!
Best luck with a speedy trip to success.
Dawn De Remer (Golden Moon)

Great to see you are published. I liked Ch1 very much. Good humour and pace. Also plenty of philosophical ideas to ruminate on which you manage to keep accessible, rather than burying them deep in complicated prose.Cheers Norton

This is so far quite simply the best book I have read on authonomy - so original, so fast paced, so thought provoking; absolutely superb, if a little chilling (despite the heat!). Backed immediately and totally worthy of the six stars awarded. Have read to chapter six and although short of time will squeeze in another before logging off.

Your pitch drew me in and i'm glad it did. It was a great read and I hope it goes far.
Leslie
"Love has no borders"

Hi Tim. Read the first chapter of “Hellbound” and really enjoyed it. Couldn’t really find anything to nitpick except one minor repetition. I’m not surprised it’s been picked up for publication and I might just be tempted to take a peek on Amazon and purchase it. Backed.

Chapter 1
He preferred to be called Asmodeous…flickering in the firelight. I loved this opening paragraph. It creates an eerie atmosphere straight away and a sense of intrigue.
Repetition: I tried to think of how I (came) to be in the room. Nothing (came). The repetition of the bracketed word mars the flow a little, perhaps replace the 2nd with “surfaced?”
…poked the button for floor 666 – nice touch.
The elevator shuddered to a halt…It was organised chaos. Your powers of description are excellent. This paragraph set the scene without excess words and was so evocative, I could “see” the city.

I was immediately pulled into this, Tim. A credit to your smooth writing and extremely well structured sentencing. "The fire shed no light itself, but rather made the darkness more visible..." Wonderful! Love your descriptions. This is a captivating and refreshing look at a many times used theme, except here you enter the premise of your world with a charming Satan and an equally fascinating newly dead MC in Michael.

I see the distinct parallels between life on Earth and that in Hell. You draw the distinctions in a subtle, but authoritative manner. Bravo! And your use of GUILT being a prime form of punishment, so fitting when the prime mover on Earth is VIRTUE. Lol!

I only read a few chapters, but I'm interested to know how this pans out... have to read more I expect. Not a worry since the read is more than interesting and the chapters set at an excellent length. The cadence rounds your writing off perfectly and lends this a poetic feeling; I was carried through the read with consumate ease.

I only saw a couple of typos... and they didn't cause a jag, easily fixed. In all I'm so glad you brought this to my attention, I really enjoyed the read. Hope this makes it to the bookshops for you. It deserves to be there.

Warm Regards
Andrew

I started reading and devoured two chapters before I could stop! You have a great story here. I can see why it was picked up. Best of luck!

Ryan Holmes
Age of Resurgence

Normally, Tim, I'm Incredibly averse to any sort of Judeo Crristian Theology. Im just completely over it. You sir, have in fused something interesting to the whole played out theme. I'm intrigued after reading this first chapter. The premise has the flavour of Taoist or some Buddhist versions of Hell. King Yama, torturing you for your sins, until your payment is complete, and then reassigning you to your next fate; reincarnation, the imperial beuracracy, etc. Im really intrigued Tim. I'll keep reading.

Thanks for the backing, I have added your book to my book shelf for a read tonight...Jon

This is a vivid and punishing portrayal of hell. I enjoy the charisma of Satan who speaks casually of Smoking Gun from his air conditioned Casa Diablo, and Michael’s horror as it is described to him in detail. This well described ‘Disneyland for Adults’ had me rolling on the floor and drooling for more. Great humor and very well told. Definitely starred. Claire ~ Chasing Pharaohs

I love it – the Devil with a sense of humor! It's no wonder a publisher picked this up. The writing is dark and funny, full of dry wit. Sadly, I have to say I LIKE the Devil. I still have more to read, but I'll be back. Once space clears on my shelf, I think I'll do a little dance with Hellbound! Until then, it's been starred to the power of six and holds its place on my WL. Nice job, Tim! P.S. Why isn't this star rated higher? Crazy!

I love it – the Devil with a sense of humor! It's no wonder a publisher picked this up. The writing is dark and funny, full of dry wit. Sadly, I have to say I LIKE the Devil. I still have more to read, but I'll be back. Once space clears on my shelf, I think I'll do a little dance with Hellbound!

Ch 4
This is fascinating. The focus on guilt is of profound psychological and philosophical interest. But what puzzles me is why Satan seems to keen on reforming his clients. Surely a traditional Satan wld be more inclinded to induge their sins, to corrupt them yet further, to prompt them to go forth and corrupt others. I thought the ref to heroin was apt as the continual battle many have with their itch really does seem a hellish and all too often a deadly torment.
I will back you when someone falls off their perch on my shelf and will read more. And by the way, sir, you have a devilish grin.
Orlando The Pure Of Heart

Ch 3
Hmm, I confess you are an operator. I was about to say that as a poetic, sensitive, intellectual type, I am abouve and beyond all types of phsycical nastiness, esp sex and violence. But I confess I do have a weakness for boxing. When I used to live in Lunnon's Bethnal Green, I was want to go to the world famous York Hall to experience fight night excitement, from outside the ring of course. Errol 'Bomber' Graham, Nigel Ben -- The Dark Destroyer, and Chris Eubank all fought there. And the crowd use do blow rasperies when the scantily clad round board totty bent down to slip between the ropes to strut her stuff with her glam smile and board held high. I then took up martial arts, albeit at a somewhat too advanced time of life to do much actual damage to anyone other than myself. But, the point is, which you put your finger on with astonishing acuity here, we are violent animals and, if we can get away with it, do like to hurt others, to beat our fellow animals to a bloody pulp, to win. Is that pride coming out? I dunno. What I do know is that this chapter is a devilishly cunning. My only issue is that the winner, rather than pewking up, might actually feel a secret rush of glee that he had actually killed, to know that he had that power over life in him, that he was a winner in life's great fight, that he was doing what life demands of us. I liked 'no bells, no rounds' as life is arguably just like that.

Ach, book me into the penthouse suite for a week if you wld kind sir!
Indeed are you sure this is actually hell. Cleo's Clit actually sounds rather too delighful to be considered in anyway hellish, though I conceded if Cleo is an insatiable sexual athlete perhaps it cld be a little demanding.
Many aspects of my walking around life -- esp at this time of year -- are more hellish than CC's. However, the notion of guilt definitely caught my attention as an eternity stewing in guilt wld be tiresome. Indeed, only today I disposed of my two and only naughty DVD's on account the guilt they were arousing within as well as other feelings. Guilt is indeed a torment. So I resonated when your devil raised the subject. My only consolation is that I ditched the DVD's -- in a dog waste bin on a golf course to be exact -- before reading your story and having my conscience prick'ed. Looking at the list of vices I only ticked tbe lust box I am relieved to say, though that is clearly bad enough. Having said that it is lust that is driving me to have a peep at another chapter this instant, in part to see what I may learn, but, if I am honest, to see what other delights you may serve up.

Ch 1
The first graph made me strongly think Asmodeous is our unknown, our own darkness, within us. Really like the fire emphasising the darkness. Such is all human knowledge a small fire, which only illuminates that which we don't know. But who cares? The early graphs put me in mind of The Walking Dude in THE STAND. Also many a writer is like Asmodeous, lying, trying, dying to impress. Ach, I don't believe in heaven or hell, so I have always been indifferent to notions of god and satan. But they both have created some great literature. Your wings graph puts me in mind of Satan leaving hell in Milton, when the poet describes his wings as great sails. Your opening discourse also puts me in mind of the conversation with death in THE SEVENTH SEAL. I like the wit of the 'cheesy elevator music' and floor 666, naturally. I am puzzled that Satan seems to be a cotractor for god, sorting souls out for the big boss man. But then we all need a role in death I suppose. The wit of you writing wld encourage me to read on to learn more about your vision of the place.

You are totally fantastic, Tim!! :) How can I ever thank you enough for backing my memoirs/testimony book? :) God bless you. :) Love, Susie :) p.s. I just looked to see if I had ******-ed your book & it is ******-rated (6 gold ******'s each) :) - could you please ****** mine, too. :) Every ****** -ing & backing moves our books closer to the editor's desk :) I want to ask you if you could please keep my book on your bookshelf as long as possible because I'm 8 from the editor's desk & trying to be in the top 5 to be chosen, the end of December :) - I had a mini-stroke Nov. 10 with slurred speech for an hour & numbness of tongue still & over 20 smaller ones where I couldn't speak since & I"d sure like to cross the finish line of the editor's desk after 9 months trying on authonomy. :) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me :) - I have lost 3 sisters to strokes & my last sister, Mary had 2 heart attacks earlier this year.

Loved it! Can't wait to buy it. As it has already been picked up, I won't bother with further comments. But this is dark and seductive and funny and definitely something I plan on buying. Will it be in h/c or e-published.

Wonderful writing "eyes turning into pits of oblivion" reminded me of my Mum before she's had a coffee in the morning.

I jest.

Very powerful, energetic and filmic. I will take the time to read it in full. I hope it get's the recognition it deserves.

Dear Tim, great book. It reminds me a little of Angel Heart, with Mickey Rourke. The read being a meretriciousness of mayhem from the open chapter is mesmerizing, chipping in with great descriptive text, that takes the reader into the maelstrom of madness, [ There must have been some, because I have been there myself ], and It looked a Hell of a lot like, your imagination. All the best and look out for my backing. It was a pleasure Mr five stars. Take care, Cicuta, [ Carl, Arcane ].

Very imaginative, Tim, and very enjoyable. I read to the end of Chapter 6 and you had me hooked. I like fiction to take me to a place I have never been before - but I would add as a rider, that your version of hell is a place I don't ever want to go again! Brilliantly described and fascinating. Best of luck with it. Highly starred.

I never read a descriptio of hell like in this novel. Hell and Heaven are seeing only in imagination. But after read the pitch of this novel I got a clear picture of it. However in the next moment I understood it is the reflection of our daily life. Hellish thinking are ruling this world. Agendas in Hell are implementing here. Sins are growing up. Sinisters are increasing. This novel is point out to these facts.

I have backed your remarcable book before and I am happy to support it again. Congratulations on publishing it. Best wishes, M
- Weekend Chimney Sweep or Happy New Year
- Sarajevo Walls of Fate

Good day Tim, thank you for backing my book (Hens from Hell. I have now had a good read of your excellent work. I am delighted to tell you I found it a edgy knuckle gripping read.
(My mind was reeling, I tried to think of how i got to be in the room, nothing came it was as if a veil had been draped over my thoughts. Brilliant written Tim, and that was only one example of how Michael felt.
I think you got a terrific imagination its a pleasure for me to back your obvious talent.
All the very best Kat

What a brilliant (though subversive) premise. Lovely writing. Backed with pleasure.
Colet

Tim

Hellbound - Just saw you found a publisher. Congratulations. Here is part of my comment from months ago ... The light (of awareness) defines the shadow, and you chose a stage, a realm of organised chaos ... Disney World for adults, Asmodeus calls it, and don't we know the place - we live right in the middle of it. Your MC wakes to the state of things. Greaat theme - the futility of revenge ...
And to reiterate Bill C. ... well written, imaginative, philosophical, amusing, thoughtful.
Glad I re-found Hellbound to send it a deserved star and place it once more on my WL.

Pia (Course of Mirrors)

Congratulations on finding your publisher. Still updating I see.
Tom Balderston
The Wonder of Terra.

This is a very unusual and captivating story :) I can't help but wonder what happens next! I'm only on Chapter 7, but I look forward to returning to read the rest. Also adding it to my watchlist for the moment :)

I read this way back in the beginning and I loved it. I still think it's one of the best books on this site. So glad to see you got a contract. yeah! I'm backing it again for this new ranking system.

Pamela Frost
Houses of Cards

It's nice to be Hellbound again.

Backed Hellbound. Great horror story. We can see why you have been scooped up by Dangerous Little Books. Congratulations!
CC Brown
Dark Side

Adding Hellbond to our watchlist.
CC Brown
Dark Side

Thought provoking plot. Wasn't it Shakespeare who said - "Hell is empty and all the devils are on earth." Congratulations on finding a publisher. All the best with it, Katherine - The Quizzical Wizards of Id.

Welcome to Hell. We don't like fencesitters here. Splendid chapter endings. What a wonderful blend of humour and horror - it has a similar tone to Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy. "He's exaggerating, but it's all part of the show" - such a devilish devil. This is a delight and a horror to read. Simply briliant and brilliantly simple.

Farrold Saxon (Where-Stand-All)

Powerful and truly scary.

Nia Ryan
Final Arrangements

This seems uh... interesting... I look forward to reading more!
Sm

I've enjoyed what I've read so far - great writing style, polished and well-paced. The premise is thought-provoking. Great imagery. Strong voice. Will continue to read as time allows. BACKED.

M.A.Anderson
DARK LEGACY

Philosophical, funny, thought-provoking, and well written! Backed, and I look forward to finishing it.

Thanks for backing DARK LEGACY. I've added your book to my watchlist and will read shortly. Got a few on my list at the moment. Best of luck!

This the first book on here that I have read for an age that has tempted me past the first chapter. Good luck with this, it deserves to reach the desk.

I am backing this after reading only eight chapters tonight. Intriguing story. Unusual plot line. Dialogue rings true. Descriptions are clear. I wish you the very best with this manuscript.

Patricia West Hays
The Witness Tree

To Tim Hawken (Hellbound),
Some very sobering material in this book and it's the kind of information that makes you think, well it did for me. I liked it well enough to give it my BACKING and find a place for for it on my bookshelf. Good luck with your future writing.

Frank James (The Contractor)

A very enjoyable read. It is like a modern-day, sophisticated fable that appeals on a number of different levels, including the wry humour.

Whilst there is no page-turning plot as such, the writing is so effective that the narrative carries the reader effortlessly forward with a knowing smile permanently in place.

Backed.

Terry
Weekend in Weighton

A darkly delicious story of a hell built on the principles of purgatory opposed to total damnation. I loved the fact that Satan is an angel of hell opposed to an omnipresent ruler who offers souls the choice of salvation or total damnation after they are dead. The deadly sins are aptly visited through Micheal's memories of his life. This is a well written funny yet sometime disturbing novel, unfortunately I could not read past chapter 14. Good luck

Great concepts here - exchanges between Satan and Michael pique my interest....

Backed,
Justis Call
Prestidigitations

Backed!

Justis Call
Prestidigitations

NIce take - Satan with a smile - could make a good film. Backed K.J.

Jakobsen, thanks for the comment. I certainly do not think any scene of rape a tittilating in any way, which is why I didn't describe the act in any way, only the horrifying aftermath. Tim H

Well written and interesting premise. Not sure about the italics in chapter 3. Disconcerting for me. BWP Four Better Four Worse

Hi, Tim,
Hellbound is a fascinating read. Amusing but also sobering and thought provoking.
Backed.
Gloria
Finnegan's Quest

nice concept and a clever examination of self discovery and a heartfelt look at one man and the decisions he made whether they be right or wrong, lovely touch of making literaaly a deal with the devil and the consequences of that, lovely stuff