Fearful that he’ll help destroy the sinister plans the Dark Lord has for the world, a demon with an infamous reputation schemes to kill the legendary George Washington as he rises to prominence in eighteenth century America.
Nefarious demon Phage Rustcut—known to many as “Rustcut the Rotten”—assumes a position within the infernal ranks stationed in British America during the early 1700s, first as a “fell tax collector” in charge of souls. Compared to other positions it’s a menial job, so when the French and Indian War breaks out, Rustcut sees it as an opportunity to move up the ranks. He and his protégé, Whiptryp Thoroughfall, soon get word of a Legendary also moving up the ranks among the mortals: a young George Washington. Washington has celestial help on his side, which makes any attempt to cut him down that much more difficult. As the years pass and the American Revolution reaches its peak, Rustcut schemes and manipulates to kill Washington, but will the endeavor bring about his own downfall instead?
INFERNALLY YOURS is an epistolary novel, told through an exchange of sixty-six letters between Rustcut and his devilish associates. The letters chart the path of Washington’s career from his tumultuous adolescence at his family’s farm through the French and Indian War and beyond, to his presidency in the newly established nation. They’re rife with dark humor and demonic scheming—though some of the humor does get a little over the top. There are a lot of a names and ranks to keep track of among the demon hierarchy, which could’ve done with a bit more explanation. What information is given about the demons and their world is fascinating, though, and told with the same gallows humor.
Since the novel covers such a large period of time, there’s gaps left up to the imagination. And while the format works for this type of story, it has a drawback of keeping the audience at a considerable distance. Those familiar with the history and Washington’s inexplicable luck will appreciate the amount of research in INFERNALLY YOURS. There’s a few lesser known aspects of Washington’s life that are used in Rustcut’s devious machinations. Well-known historical events, like the Continental Army’s escape after the Battle of Brooklyn and Benedict Arnold’s betrayal become integral to the demons’ secret war. Readers who like a little paranormal horror with their history will the enjoy way the two genres work together to put a new spin on the origins of America. The novel also features vivid, beautiful illustrations throughout; a wonderful addition to this twisted tale.
Told with dark humor and beautifully demonic illustrations, INFERNALLY YOURS gives a twisted, paranormal perspective on an important period of American history.
~Jessica Thomas for IndieReader