Outer Demons

Backseat Demons Book 1

Fiction - Horror
308 Pages
Reviewed on 10/23/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

In Outer Demons: Backseat Demons Book 1 by J.P. Barnett, Evelyn was on her way to present a project when she had a near-death experience. After this experience, Evelyn was unsettled and on edge. She began to have violent outbursts and haunting dreams where she saw a large dark figure with wings. Frederick was obsessed with Evelyn and saved her from the accident; he now lurks inside her mind. Lily, Evelyn’s twin sister, senses that an evil presence has latched onto Evelyn’s aura like a parasite. Realizing she might be possessed, Evelyn learns that exorcisms are no longer openly practiced but are done in secret. Desperate for help, she sets out to find the one person rumored to still perform them. With Frederick as her uninvited backseat companion, Evelyn embarks on a chilling and darkly comedic road trip to reclaim her life.

Outer Demons by J.P. Barnett is a thrilling blend of horror, humor, free will, and fear. The fast-paced plot is packed with action that never stops until the final page. The engaging writing style makes the concept of demonic possession feel real and believable, and it was brought to life through vivid descriptions that make every scene easy to visualize. The humor perfectly balances the darker themes, creating a refreshing and entertaining contrast. The characters are realistic and relatable, especially Evelyn, whose struggle with losing control of her mind and body feels both emotional and compelling. Her conversations with Frederick are fascinating and even hint at an unlikely friendship. The story was brilliantly crafted and captivating. It held my attention from start to finish, and I was hooked from the beginning.

Frank Mutuma

In Outer Demons: Backseat Demons, Book 1 by J.P. Barnett, Fredrick had taken his current pronouns and name from his previous host. Despite his ability to observe the events around him, he cannot intervene. Currently, he is obsessed with Evelyn, who is well organized and always determined to do the right thing. One day, as he is observing her, she gets into trouble. Fredrick rushes to help her before she gets hit by a speeding car. To his surprise, it works. From then onward, they become entwined. Everlyn is rushed to the hospital, but something is off with her. She loses her job and goes to work with her sister. Something strange happens: her sister's crystal shop is vandalized, and she burns herself in the shower. How will things turn out as she finds out she is possessed and embarks on a journey to find Father Maksim, who is a renowned exorcist?

Outer Demons by J.P. Barnett is an interesting story that kept me on the edge of my seat. Once I started reading it, I could not put the book down. This thought-provoking work piqued my curiosity as a Catholic about church rituals and rules and how they have changed over the years, especially after the Second Vatican Council. I loved the vivid descriptions of the events, which helped create a mental picture of what was happening, and the writing style, which is crisp and engaging and filled with well-crafted dialogues that bring the story to life. The characters were well-developed, and readers will also appreciate the other themes explored, such as the nature of evil and demonic influence. This was an amazing book, and I can't wait to read something else by J.P. Barnett.

Luwi Nyakansaila

Outer Demons by J.P. Barnett is a horror comedy that follows Evelyn Peters, a young woman possessed by a demon named Fredrick, who suffers from amnesia. Together, they embark on an extraordinary road trip to find Father Maksim Arkanov, an underground fighter priest who can separate them. Evelyn leaves her home to protect her twin sister, Lily, from her new violent tendencies. However, the journey for Evelyn and Fredrick is fraught with peril; they encounter other demons, road assassins, and even trigger a fight that attracts the demon of vengeance. Leaving a trail of chaos in their wake, their misfortunes make their chances of meeting Father Maksim appear increasingly slim. The more time they spend together, the stronger their bond becomes. Saving each other multiple times leads to the question of whether they truly want to be separated.

Outer Demons is a thrilling and surprising read that provides a fresh perspective on demons and exorcism, challenging traditional narratives. It features a unique storyline with intriguing characters and a dynamic plot that keeps readers engaged. As the first installment in the Backseat Demons series, it shows J.P. Barnett's creative vision, engaging writing, and ability to reimagine familiar supernatural elements in a different light. The story explores themes of unlikely friendships and the complexities of good and evil. The demons in this story are characterized distinctly by their names: for instance, Lucie represents Lust, and Vince embodies Vengeance. This adds an element of suspense, as readers are left to wonder what kind of demon Fredrick is, given that his capacity for empathy, care, and love makes him an anomaly. This story is not yet concluded, and I'm looking forward to future installments. I'm particularly curious about the role Lily will play, given that she is Evelyn’s twin and has knowledge of the supernatural. Overall, this is a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in supernatural dramas infused with character development, comedy, and emotional depth.