Jonathan L. Howard Books In Order

Publication Order of Johannes Cabal Books

Publication Order of Russalka Chronicles Books

Publication Order of Carter & Lovecraft Books

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Goon Squad Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Jonathan Howard is a English game designer and bestselling author of Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy novels famously known for his books about Johannes Cabal. He is a resident of Bristol and lives with his family- wife and daughter. The author worked as a video game writer and as a scriptwriter since the early 1990’s and wrote Broken Sword a series of games. Howard rose to fame with his series of black comedy books about a necromancer named, Johannes Cabal.

Other Howard’s works include a series of Y.A submarine warfare science fiction books titled Russalka Chronicles. The series is set on the ocean planet Russalka, and it follows Katya Kuriakova as she survives through a time of crisis between the remnants of a failed Terran invasion and the colonist’s two main sides. The debut novel, Katya’s World published in 2012 received positive reviews from the Publishers Weekly noting its believable sense of danger and a strong cast. Howard became a published author in 2009 when The Necromancer, the first novel in Johannes Cabal series was published.

Johannes Cabal the Necromancer

Johannes ……. Necromancer is the first book in Johannes Cabal series by Jonathan L. Howard. In this debut novel, we are introduced to Johannes Cabal, a worried young man who sold his soul to the devil as it was proving a real barrier in his studies of necromancy. He acted too fast- and after research, he discovers that his soul is much needed for his research to have some meaning.

In order to regain back his soul, Cabal strikes another deal with the Devil; to bring his one hundred souls in one year’s time and after having fulfilled this, he will get back his soul. Hell, the devil is feeling a little more generous enough to lend Cabal a dark carnival. After all, Cabal only suggested that the Satan ask for forgiveness from God for his pride and despite this Cabal is intuitive enough to know that he requires someone who understands the human nature. Therefore he seeks out his brother Horst, a being with strong ethical code but with a few unsavory habits.

Johannes Cabal debut novel is a brilliant one, as the Howard satisfies through his writing style that closely resembles Terry Pratchett style but with some darker tone. The plotting is simple and straightforward and like many folktales, what the reader finally wants to know is whether Cabal finally escaped the Devil’s Bargain. The most of the plot details on the soul collection, and the main character, Cabal is neither a hero nor an anti-hero. He is a straight-up villain.

Johannes Cabal, the Detective

Johannes Cabal the Detective is the second installment of Johannes Cabal makes a comeback after defeating the Devil and claiming back his soul. In this installment, he takes us on another epic adventure as he is on the run from the local government.

Cabal assumes a new identity that of a minor bureaucrat and takes passage on Princess Hortense, an airship leaving the country. His new identity seems to be working correctly, and Cabal looks forward into having a quiet flight and a clean escape until he crosses paths with Leonie Barrow, an adversary from the old days that could easily blow his cover. However when a fellow passenger commits suicide, by throwing himself to his death, Cabal starts to investigate just to quench his curiosity. his investigations results into a deadly attempt on his dear life- and then his cover is finally blown.

Cabal and the only woman to ever match his expertise skills forge an alliance to investigate the murder case and reveal the murderer. Before they are through with their investigations, they will have to make narrow escapes and dodge enemy traps, involving flying machines and sword fighting. There will be mass destruction not to mention the dead coming back to life.

Jonathan L. Howard writing does an incredible job in writing of this second book. The story is full of humor, and the author manages to do some remarkable things with emotion. Cabal is selfish, amoral, reserved and repressed even to himself and thinks of nothing else other than his own skin. Other than this, he is always a funny character, and it is amazing to watch him pretend to be an average human. Furthermore, it is amazing when he has to confront his deeply buried humanity. The mystery in this novel is intriguing such that you will be left wondering what could happen within the next few pages.

The Fear Institute

In The Fear Institute, Johannes and his imprecise powers of necromancy make a comeback once more. This time around, his talents and skills are hired by The Fear Institute as they hunt the embodiment of fear known as the Phobic Animus. Three of the institute members headed by Cabal and his sidekick enter the dreamlands only to find themselves being hunted by walking trees infested with giant ticks, cats that feed on humans, stone men that protect the ruins of their castles and phobias the devastate and torment.

The innocent explorers are murdered one by one as they travel through this frustrating and obfuscating world, where the history appears to be changing. Cabal agitated that the mission is become more heroic, finds himself with the remaining member of the Institute and after a violent experiment, he begins to suspect that not everything is at it seems to be.

The characterization is brilliantly done, and Cabal appears to be more ruthless and less human than in the first installment. The Dreamworld setting is well done as well as all its weird creatures, and the characters are interesting and make a significant impact on the story. There is much detailing in the story as well; for instance, the weird environment of the Dreamland gives the author a chance to showcase just how bizarre and fantastic Cabal’s world can get. Cabal is slowly maturing ever since he made his debut in Johannes Cabal the Necromancer and does whatever he can to try and attempt to solve the mystery. If you fancy novels that feature creatures of the other world, and characters who posses more than human abilities, then Jonathan Howard books are ideal for you.

One Response to “Jonathan L. Howard”

1. Christopher Williams: 5 years ago

   I love the Johannes Cabal Series. Now that it is over I hope that the characters make it into other writings.

   Reply