Step into the darkly hilarious world of Johannes Cabal, where a snarky necromancer battles demons, solves mysteries, and occasionally saves the world—all while trying to perfect the art of resurrection! Jonathan L. Howard’s Johannes Cabal series blends gothic horror, steampunk flair, and biting comedy, following the misadventures of a morally dubious anti-hero whose sharp wit and hidden heart make him unforgettable.
With its unique mix of Faustian bargains, eldrit
How Johannes Cabal Began
British author Jonathan L. Howard, a veteran game designer known for co-writing the Broken Sword series, stumbled into novel-writing after positive feedback on his scripts sparked a dream. Dusting off old notes about a necromancer named Johannes Cabal, Howard crafted a tale that merged his love for dark humor and speculative fiction. The result was Johannes Cabal the Necromancer, published in 2009, launching a series that’s since captivated fans with its quirky charm.
The Heart of Johannes Cabal
The series kicks off with Johannes Cabal the Necromancer, where Cabal, having sold his soul to Satan for necromantic powers, must run a demonic carnival to reclaim it by harvesting 100 souls in a year. In Johannes Cabal the Detective (2010), he boards a steampunk airship to solve a locked-room murder mystery, dodging assassins and political intrigue. The Fear Institute (2011) sees Cabal hired to hunt the embodiment of fear in a surreal Dreamlands, while The Brothers Cabal (2014) teams him with his vampire brother Horst to thwart a monstrous conspiracy.
Howard’s world is a retrofuturistic blend of Victorian Europe and imagined nations like Mirkarvia, infused with steampunk gadgets and Lovecraftian horrors. Themes of morality, redemption, and the cost of ambition weave through Cabal’s journey, with his cold exterior masking a flicker of humanity. The series’ sardonic tone, vivid settings, and genre-hopping—part horror, part detective noir—make each book a fresh adventure.
Why Johannes Cabal Resonates
The Johannes Cabal series has carved a niche in contemporary fantasy, praised for its clever writing and complex protagonist. Fans on platforms like Goodreads laud its wit and heart, comparing it to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld for its humor and Neil Gaiman’s works for its gothic depth. Though not a mainstream blockbuster, the series’ cult following cherishes its blend of intellectual humor and emotional resonance, ensuring Cabal’s misadventures endure.
- First Book Published: 2009 (Johannes Cabal the Necromancer)
- Number of Books: 5 novels, plus short stories
- Genres: Dark fantasy, steampunk, horror, comedy
Ready to meet a necromancer who’s as brilliant as he is insufferable? Grab Johannes Cabal the Necromancer and dive into a world of dark delights and devilish deals!