{"product_id":"dont-read-this-book-the-convention-of-fiends-book-1-dark-urban","title":"Don't Read This Book: The Convention of Fiends, Book 1 - Dark Urban","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Don't Read This Book: The Convention of Fiends, Book 1 the bottom line is simple: readers who like dark, fast-paced urban fantasy with a strong, flawed protagonist will find a gripping, original ride. Benjamin Gorman introduces Magdalena Wallace, a novelist unaware her prose might end the world, and immediately throws her into a chase that blends humor, menace, and high stakes. The book stands out for its unusual premise and the way it treats storytelling itself as a weapon, making it a compelling pick for fans of paranormal and contemporary fantasy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-concept premise:\u003c\/strong\u003e The central idea that a novel could destroy civilization provides a fresh, metafictional twist that drives tension throughout the story.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSympathetic protagonist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Magdalena Wallace is written as a relatable, imperfect hero whose confusion and resilience keep the reader invested.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast-moving plot:\u003c\/strong\u003e The narrative keeps momentum with kidnappings, rescues, and a cross-country escape that maintains urgency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupernatural stakes:\u003c\/strong\u003e The inclusion of witches, a thousand year-old necromancer, and assorted monsters raises stakes beyond a typical thriller and anchors the book firmly in fantasy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGenre blending:\u003c\/strong\u003e The story mixes contemporary settings with paranormal elements, making it accessible to readers who prefer urban fantasy grounded in modern life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManuscript as MacGuffin:\u003c\/strong\u003e The portable, dangerous manuscript in a backpack is a clever device that creates constant danger and intimacy in scenes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book is for readers who enjoy \u003cstrong\u003eparanormal \u0026amp; urban fantasy\u003c\/strong\u003e with a smart, self-aware premise and a lead who is more resourceful than she first appears. Fans of tightly plotted chase stories and authors who play with the act of writing itself will appreciate the layered stakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReaders looking for slow-burn literary fiction, purely romantic plots, or low-stakes contemporary drama should look elsewhere; the novel's energy comes from supernatural peril and plot momentum rather than quiet introspection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInventive premise that makes the act of writing a plot-driving element.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong, relatable lead in Magdalena Wallace who anchors emotional beats.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePacing that rarely stalls, keeping tension high from kidnapping to escape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe focus on action and plot may leave readers wanting more interior character exploration at times.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThose preferring realism may find the supernatural elements too central to enjoy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDon't Read This Book: The Convention of Fiends, Book 1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBenjamin Gorman\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGenre\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eParanormal \u0026amp; Urban Fantasy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMain character\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMagdalena Wallace, a novelist\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCore conflict\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManuscript that could end civilization; pursuit by witches and necromancer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeries\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConvention of Fiends, Book 1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDon't Read This Book is a clever, entertaining start to a series that rewards readers who like dark humor, brisk pacing, and high-concept stakes. Magdalena Wallace's plight and the relentless chase make it well worth the time for fans of modern supernatural thrillers, offering solid value through originality and momentum.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat genre is this book?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is primarily paranormal and urban fantasy with contemporary elements and thriller pacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho is the main character?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe protagonist is Magdalena Wallace, a novelist who becomes the target of witches and a necromancer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this the first in a series?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, this is Book 1 of the Convention of Fiends series, setting up larger stakes and follow-up conflicts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Benjamin Gorman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48666062815451,"sku":"1948120208","price":36.37,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61Mc_ESgpzL._SL1360.jpg?v=1778683155","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/dont-read-this-book-the-convention-of-fiends-book-1-dark-urban","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}