Necessarily Evil is a series of books that takes you through the depths of Hell. But, there is so much more to love. I never thought I’d love a bunch of Satanists trying to save the world, yet I do.
- Series: Necessarily Evil
- Author: Shad Nemo Freud
- Number of Books in Series: 6 (so far)
- Complete: No
- Genre: Fantasy
- Publication Dates: September 2019 – Current
- Source & Format: Paperback and Digital
- Rating: 5/5
Book 1: Prophecy
Review
Prophecy is the most hilarious fantasy I’ve ever read. When you mix comedy and satire with the Underworld, you have a fantastic premise!
Satanic misfits trying to save the world is a brilliant plotline! You will find an interesting encounter with all of the major deities at the beginning that I don’t want to spoil, but I promise, you will laugh. Unfortunately, there is a part in the end where I cried true tears of sadness and while I wish that the sadness didn’t happen, consequently, the event does set the plot up nicely for the next book in the series.
Book 2: Apocalypse
Review
Shad brings us another installment of Carl and Company in Apocalypse. It takes a much darker turn than Prophecy but sets the reader up for the horror that is to come in future volumes.
To be completely honest, if I hadn’t known this was the same author, I would have thought it impossible it was the same one. The characters are identical, but the dark turn left me with whiplash.
I still love the book, but I expected more humor. What I got was an intensity that I had a hard time wrapping my head around at times. It’s still a solid addition to the Necessarily Evil series.
Book 3: Conspiracy
Review
In Conspiracy, readers get laughter and tears. The relationships are real and raw, though maybe a bit far-fetched at times. In all of the battles and undead attacks, there are real relationships taking place.
While some of the writing is over the top, I adore the imagination of this author.
Book 4: Infection
Review
Infection is equal parts entertaining and gore. We get to see new sides of our favorite characters and new levels of evil in our not-so-favorite characters. But, I will say that the many levels of villainy and disgust that Infection brings us are fascinating.
I must tell you that I spent much of my time reading with my nose curled up in disgust. But, through all the undead and the vulgar amount of ichor, the novel is heartfelt.
Book 5: Subversion
Review
Shad Freud delivers Subversion with the gloves off. Long-time favorites suffer while the bad guys run amok. Some of the characters we barely got to know.
I loved this book as much as I loved the four that preceded it. But, I found this one to be the darkest of all the books so far. So many people I love endure tragedy. New friends don’t get a chance to flourish. Many tears were shed.
Book 6: Revelation
Review
Revelation offers readers a lot to love. Some of our most beloved characters get to embrace a bit of happiness. Unfortunately, it is short-lived with the war going on.
This volume isn’t as dark as some of the previous novels, which is refreshing. It’s nice to smile through a book again. I didn’t have belly laughs, but there were a lot of smiles.
Wrapping Up
I’m not going to lie to you, the Necessarily Evil series isn’t for everyone. It is definitely out of my comfort zone. Shad approached me long ago when I was just starting out on my blogging journey. Had I not been desperate for books to review, I would NOT have picked this story up on my own. However, I did pick it up and I fell in love with the characters and needed to know more about them. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with this series.
But, I must warn you. The series as a whole is a bit chaotic, but Shad’s imagination makes you fall in love with this series. He is one of the most artistic writers I’ve come to know throughout my blogging journey.
I urge you to give the Necessarily Evil series a try. Even after all this time I still give it 5 out of 5 stars.