What do you think?
Rate this book
Faster
Brock Johnson made a deal to return home from the war—alive. It’s a contract that follows him throughout his days, a contract he can’t escape. Or can he? One night on the road, he must decide whether to keep running or surrender. . . Either choice has its price.
A short story.
(Collected in Through the Ravenous Night We Ride)
A short story.
(Collected in Through the Ravenous Night We Ride)
21 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2014
3 people are currently reading
1077 people want to read
About the author
Calvin Demmer
84 books474 followersCalvin Demmer is a South African author of horror, dark fantasy, science fiction, and crime. His books include the flash fiction collection The Sea Was a Fair Master and the short story collections Dark Celebrations, Her Heart Beats for Ancient Beasts, and Through the Ravenous Night We Ride. When not writing, he is intrigued by that which goes bump in the night and the sciences of our universe.
You can find him online at calvindemmer.com or sign up for his newsletter to stay up to date with his latest projects.
You can find him online at calvindemmer.com or sign up for his newsletter to stay up to date with his latest projects.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 10, 2021
Brock is collecting passengers for a ride. Location is Nowhereville, USA. Why can Brock only go forward and not going back? Why has he to collect passengers for a ride in his car? What about the crystal dangling from the mirror? What about his agreement with the devil? How old is Brock and why does he refer to WW1. Intriguing and uncanny story at a speedy pace. You definitely want to read this faster. Highly recommended.
December 18, 2019
What would you do to outrun the devil?
February 6, 2022
FASTER, by Calvin Demmer, is a short story with a huge punch. The idea behind it is great, but the explanation of how things came about, and ending, were fantastic.
"My old man used to say one must be careful not to become that which they run from."
Recommended!
"My old man used to say one must be careful not to become that which they run from."
Recommended!
February 25, 2022
Brock Johnson had made a deal with the devil and I wonder when the final payment will come do. Brock had managed to circumvent it…at least for a while. He had always feared someone like Mick would come along. Whew! And Delilah? Oh man, it ended way too soon. And now my mind wanders…good job, Calvin. I’ll be thinking about this for a while, especially whenever I’m on the road…wanting to drive FASTER. That earns an extra star. LOL
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Faster by Calvin Demmer.
See more at fundinmental
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Faster by Calvin Demmer.
See more at fundinmental
September 24, 2023
Good little horror story. Very quick read.
November 14, 2019
I snagged this yesterday (Nov 13th) after seeing Demmer post that it was a freebie. Calvin Demmer is the master of short fiction and he's one of my 'drop-everything-and-read-immediately' authors. So, last night I pounced on this one and boy, what a great ride.
If you've read his collection 'The Sea Was a Fair Master,' then you'll be familiar with how densely Demmer can populate a story with dread.
From sentence one, I knew something was up. I loved how this was set in the past, the dialogue was fantastic and made me smile with each old-timey phrase tossed out.
The back story/mythology that Demmer based this on was amazing. It is casually mentioned but due to the vividness of how he described it, it felt fully formed.
Demmer never disappoints. His stuff is layered, textured and crushing - all wrapped up in a neat bite-sized package. Get on this one - you won't regret it!
If you've read his collection 'The Sea Was a Fair Master,' then you'll be familiar with how densely Demmer can populate a story with dread.
From sentence one, I knew something was up. I loved how this was set in the past, the dialogue was fantastic and made me smile with each old-timey phrase tossed out.
The back story/mythology that Demmer based this on was amazing. It is casually mentioned but due to the vividness of how he described it, it felt fully formed.
Demmer never disappoints. His stuff is layered, textured and crushing - all wrapped up in a neat bite-sized package. Get on this one - you won't regret it!
February 19, 2022
This was quick and fun Wild ride! Recommend!
February 11, 2022
Decent short story
Well written short story, but a little lacking in terms of back story. The ending was very abrupt to the point that you are left unsatisfied with the resolution. The idea was intriguing and mysterious, but with that ending you are left unsatisfied.
Well written short story, but a little lacking in terms of back story. The ending was very abrupt to the point that you are left unsatisfied with the resolution. The idea was intriguing and mysterious, but with that ending you are left unsatisfied.
May 29, 2019
A very short story that still packs a punch! Won’t go into a lot of detail here cause I don’t want to spoil anything but at one point in the story Mick states “loving the strange tale, no matter how far fetched.” That’s exactly how I felt about this one! How long, how far and fast will Brock go to outrun el Diablo?
September 28, 2023
A fun little horror story that is enjoyable to read. I would love to hear more about this main character and truly expand this into a full-fledged novel. Don’t get me wrong, this is perfect as is, but you definitely want to know MORE about this main character and his situation.
A quick and enjoyable creepy read, perfect for the Halloween season!
A quick and enjoyable creepy read, perfect for the Halloween season!
August 18, 2023
My only issue with this is I want more - particularly I want to know more.
What's with the cane? Who are the eyes? & how long can someone outrun the devil?? Does Brock give in on purpose at some point or does he mess up??
What's with the cane? Who are the eyes? & how long can someone outrun the devil?? Does Brock give in on purpose at some point or does he mess up??
February 20, 2022
As Brock Johnson lay dying, he was offered another chance at life. He's been on the run from the terms of that contract ever since.
Calvin Demmer's short story "Faster" is a new take on the deal with the devil trope, with a clever twist. Is there ever a way to get out of the deal once you've signed away your soul? Brock thinks he has found a way to keep the devil at bay... but at what cost?
I've been a fan of Demmer's short stories for years. They're always entertaining and pack a punch in a small package. This was no exception. I can't say this one was particularly scary but it was still a hell of a good time.
Calvin Demmer's short story "Faster" is a new take on the deal with the devil trope, with a clever twist. Is there ever a way to get out of the deal once you've signed away your soul? Brock thinks he has found a way to keep the devil at bay... but at what cost?
I've been a fan of Demmer's short stories for years. They're always entertaining and pack a punch in a small package. This was no exception. I can't say this one was particularly scary but it was still a hell of a good time.
June 5, 2019
Demmer always gives me a nice surprise with his short stories. They’re unique, twisted, creepy and stick with you after you read them. Faster was no different. Although I have seen movies/shows with the same “idea” in mind, I’ve never seen/read this concept that Demmer uses in this story, how he achieves the way the “murderer” goes about things. It’s really fascinating! I’m trying to say things without giving anything away. So I’ll just say, DEMMER DID IT AGAIN, HE WROTE ANOTHER FIVE STAR BOOK!!!
February 7, 2022
Great little read!
Wow for a short story, only 22 pages long, this sure packs a punch. I’ve never read anything by Calvin Demmer before, but I definitely will be reading more in future. Thanks to my GR friend Shirley Shelley for the recommendation!
Wow for a short story, only 22 pages long, this sure packs a punch. I’ve never read anything by Calvin Demmer before, but I definitely will be reading more in future. Thanks to my GR friend Shirley Shelley for the recommendation!
February 6, 2022
How fast do you have to go to out run the devil? This short story doesn't answer the question but it really gets you thinking.
Calvin does incredible work with short stories and this one was no exception. It was a quick read and it was so interesting.
Its the perfect length for when you are in a reading slump but really still want to read! Y'all definitely try it out!!
Calvin does incredible work with short stories and this one was no exception. It was a quick read and it was so interesting.
Its the perfect length for when you are in a reading slump but really still want to read! Y'all definitely try it out!!
July 29, 2019
I’m forever struggling with writing reviews for short stories, because saying too much at all will give the story away! I, of course, loved this creepy short story. If you are familiar with Calvin Demmer, then you know what kind of awesome eerie horror to expect. If you aren’t familiar, well then, you’re in for a treat.
November 16, 2019
This was a fun quick little read. Look forward to checking out more of Demmer’s work.
December 27, 2019
An excellent short story
Demmer is the master of short stories.
Faster was a quick & satisfying read. Just the thing to enjoy between books!
Demmer is the master of short stories.
Faster was a quick & satisfying read. Just the thing to enjoy between books!
February 8, 2022
Give the Devil his due.
Fantastic short story from this amazing author.
What you would pay to survive?
Read immediately! Highly recommended and you will be wishing there was more!
Fantastic short story from this amazing author.
What you would pay to survive?
Read immediately! Highly recommended and you will be wishing there was more!
August 27, 2019
A great quick little read.
March 28, 2022
3.5 rtc
February 9, 2022
Exactly how a short story should be.
I was pleasantly entertained with this short story. Definitely worth the read. The main character, even with the description, is mysterious enough for you to want to know more and his story is that classic old tale of outrunning time!
I was pleasantly entertained with this short story. Definitely worth the read. The main character, even with the description, is mysterious enough for you to want to know more and his story is that classic old tale of outrunning time!
February 22, 2022
So this book starts with a super interesting premise and I was definitely interested in reading more; but I also felt like the story was left a bit unfinished. I think a little bit more background and clarity regarding the “rules” of the car and necklace would have made the story a real stand out novella. As it is, I did absolutely enjoy the read as a short story but I am left with a lot of questions - if that was the goal, it’s spot on.
Definitely would read more from this author - thanks so much to him for sending me an e-copy in exchange for an honest review!
Definitely would read more from this author - thanks so much to him for sending me an e-copy in exchange for an honest review!
November 12, 2019
Did I read the same thing everyone else here did? I thought the writing was awfully flowery, given the dark nature of the story. I also thought it ended really abruptly. This seemed more like an excerpt from a book than an actual short story. Especially since I was able to finish it in 15 minutes (literally, I was using a timer on my lunch break).
Maybe if I was more familiar with the author but I thought this sucked.
Maybe if I was more familiar with the author but I thought this sucked.
February 5, 2022
Fun, quick story about outrunning the devil. I loved the ending, and only wished it was longer.
November 19, 2017
I must admit to being a bit surprised by this ... and not only because I thought it was erotica for some reason. It's not. It's a creepy horror story that is effective for the most part.
To tell too much of the plot would be to ruin the story's impact. Let's just say that Brock must almost literally drive faster than Hell to avoid a debt. By the end of the story you'll understand that and be left with more than a few questions, but that's also part of the story's appeal.
If there is any complain to be had it is that story reads a bit awkwardly in spots, which takes readers out of the moment. Those come close to the end, though, and by then most people will find they are invested enough in the story to overlook that in order to get to the conclusion.
To tell too much of the plot would be to ruin the story's impact. Let's just say that Brock must almost literally drive faster than Hell to avoid a debt. By the end of the story you'll understand that and be left with more than a few questions, but that's also part of the story's appeal.
If there is any complain to be had it is that story reads a bit awkwardly in spots, which takes readers out of the moment. Those come close to the end, though, and by then most people will find they are invested enough in the story to overlook that in order to get to the conclusion.
June 8, 2022
If it had been long enough to be a novella, I would have liked it a lot more.
The book starts off very interesting, but the ending comes so quickly that it feels a bit unfinished.
I quite liked the part that was given to me, but with a little more backstory it could have been much more satisfying.
I would like to read other books by the author. Thank you for the suggestion @horrortopia!
The book starts off very interesting, but the ending comes so quickly that it feels a bit unfinished.
I quite liked the part that was given to me, but with a little more backstory it could have been much more satisfying.
I would like to read other books by the author. Thank you for the suggestion @horrortopia!
February 11, 2022
A quick entertaining read. I do wish there was a bit of back story to understand the main character and what went down between him and the “devil.” I enjoyed the dialogue between characters. I would have liked the story to be a bit longer, but i do appreciate the originality of the story.
November 29, 2022
A perfect little story to read in between full sized books. Loved the way this was written and the dialogue. It starts out strong and ends on the same note. Definitely one of my favorites from Demmer.
March 9, 2022
In a word: Gripping.
Here’s yet another story from this author that made me want to read an entire novel about the main character. In just a few short pages, Demmer tells the story of a man with a far more interesting past than anyone suspects, a man both cursed and blessed by the choices he has made – and specifically, the deal he has made. I love that this story picks up without exposition but rather sucks you in with intrigue and then far later you discover the big reveal. The disturbing mystery keeps you reading and eager to learn more with every hint of Brock’s secret.
I really loved how you got the feel of what Brock’s post-deal-with-the-devil life has been like, even though he only shares a few details. Each stop, each victim, each encounter with devilish messengers keeps him moving forward, and you understand that this has been a very long, weary, tense, dark journey. For this part of his story, you see only a few brief hours (maybe less) of what that life is like, but it’s clearly a moment he has lived through again and again.
Demmer’s stories always have some twist or play on a familiar horror trope or monster, and I liked the addition of the crystal that Brock’s used to prolong his life. The devil maybe didn’t see that coming. But like Brock is told by the possessed women fated to be his next victim, everyone loses in the end. All Brock can do is move forward, move faster, and hope to last as long as he can. It sounds like a horrible life, but as Brock points out, once you know the devil is real, nothing is as bad as where you know you’re going next.
Here’s yet another story from this author that made me want to read an entire novel about the main character. In just a few short pages, Demmer tells the story of a man with a far more interesting past than anyone suspects, a man both cursed and blessed by the choices he has made – and specifically, the deal he has made. I love that this story picks up without exposition but rather sucks you in with intrigue and then far later you discover the big reveal. The disturbing mystery keeps you reading and eager to learn more with every hint of Brock’s secret.
I really loved how you got the feel of what Brock’s post-deal-with-the-devil life has been like, even though he only shares a few details. Each stop, each victim, each encounter with devilish messengers keeps him moving forward, and you understand that this has been a very long, weary, tense, dark journey. For this part of his story, you see only a few brief hours (maybe less) of what that life is like, but it’s clearly a moment he has lived through again and again.
Demmer’s stories always have some twist or play on a familiar horror trope or monster, and I liked the addition of the crystal that Brock’s used to prolong his life. The devil maybe didn’t see that coming. But like Brock is told by the possessed women fated to be his next victim, everyone loses in the end. All Brock can do is move forward, move faster, and hope to last as long as he can. It sounds like a horrible life, but as Brock points out, once you know the devil is real, nothing is as bad as where you know you’re going next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews