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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
Devil's creek is cult horror which is engrossing,tense and definitely won't disappoint you.
one of the best horror books of 2020.The writing style is very engaging .
Thank You Netgalley and the Publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review #Devil'sCreek.
one of the best horror books of 2020.The writing style is very engaging .
Thank You Netgalley and the Publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review #Devil'sCreek.
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Racism
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was okay. Everything felt very samey towards the end and I agree with other reviewers in that it could've been about 100 pages less.
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“All you have to do is suffer.” There are no spoilers in this review.
Devil’s Creek by Todd Keisling is a Book about an extreme religious cult that worships a different Lord. Reverend Jacob Masters sires six children from different loyal women. Those children are to be sacrificed to his God at the age of six and everyone seems okay with that except a few of the kids grandparents who thwart the sacrifice at the last minute and the rest of the cult gets burned up and dies.
Twenty five years later, those six surviving children are back in town and Reverend Jacob has returned from the grave and he is willing to sacrifice and destroy the whole town to get his way.
This book is gory and tries hard to make you shudder.
“Their faces were split open, chunks of bloody flesh held suspended in the air by the dark worms protruding through the viscera”
It has a very complex universe with every one of the surviving six having there own stories that intertwine with the main story. The book is very well written, has good development, but is long. I think it should have been edited down by 100 pages
Devil’s Creek by Todd Keisling is a Book about an extreme religious cult that worships a different Lord. Reverend Jacob Masters sires six children from different loyal women. Those children are to be sacrificed to his God at the age of six and everyone seems okay with that except a few of the kids grandparents who thwart the sacrifice at the last minute and the rest of the cult gets burned up and dies.
Twenty five years later, those six surviving children are back in town and Reverend Jacob has returned from the grave and he is willing to sacrifice and destroy the whole town to get his way.
This book is gory and tries hard to make you shudder.
“Their faces were split open, chunks of bloody flesh held suspended in the air by the dark worms protruding through the viscera”
It has a very complex universe with every one of the surviving six having there own stories that intertwine with the main story. The book is very well written, has good development, but is long. I think it should have been edited down by 100 pages
Let me get this out of the way immediately. Devil’s Creek by Todd Keisling is the best book that Silver Shamrock has published in their short, but very productive time in the publishing business. If you know me then you know I love this publisher, so for me to tell you it’s the best book they’ve put out, that’s saying something.
Jack Tremly returns to Stauford, KY to settle his dead grandmothers estate. Jack is one of the Stauford Six, the child survivors of a cult from the 80’s. Him and his siblings aren’t yet aware, but they will soon be settling more than Imogene Tremly’s estate.
With Devil’s Creek, Keisling has painstakingly crafted his Magnum Opus. As the authors notes mention, this book is over a decade in the making. This is the authors take on a few different tropes. It’s equal parts small town, cult, and cosmic horror and it’s a blend that works exceptionally well. Keisling takes great lengths to build Stauford the town as a character and his efforts shine through, as Stauford is equally as important as the Stauford Six.
The human characters are well written also. I had a blast following Jack and his siblings and was enthralled to learn about both their past and their present. Jack, Riley and Stephanie were all likable characters.
What good are well developed characters without well developed antagonists? Jacob Masters, his god, and the town of Stauford all combine to make a hellacious force of evil for our heroes to go up against. Stauford is a town with ugly secrets, and Jacob is a man with ugly intent, to put it lightly.
The writing in the pages is excellent, Keisling makes weaving past, present, and numerous characters seem like child’s play. He perfectly encapsulates this story in a genuinely creepy atmosphere. The horrors are described well enough to make you cringe when you visualize them. Along with the world and character building, Keisling doesn’t slouch on the more aggressive elements of horror. There’s much to love here. I was satisfied throughout the book, beginning, middle, and end.
Devil’s Creek is a special book. Not only do I consider it right up there with Salem’s Lot, in terms of best small town horror, but I would go a step further and say that Devil’s Creek is one of the best horror novels I’ve ever read.
Jack Tremly returns to Stauford, KY to settle his dead grandmothers estate. Jack is one of the Stauford Six, the child survivors of a cult from the 80’s. Him and his siblings aren’t yet aware, but they will soon be settling more than Imogene Tremly’s estate.
With Devil’s Creek, Keisling has painstakingly crafted his Magnum Opus. As the authors notes mention, this book is over a decade in the making. This is the authors take on a few different tropes. It’s equal parts small town, cult, and cosmic horror and it’s a blend that works exceptionally well. Keisling takes great lengths to build Stauford the town as a character and his efforts shine through, as Stauford is equally as important as the Stauford Six.
The human characters are well written also. I had a blast following Jack and his siblings and was enthralled to learn about both their past and their present. Jack, Riley and Stephanie were all likable characters.
What good are well developed characters without well developed antagonists? Jacob Masters, his god, and the town of Stauford all combine to make a hellacious force of evil for our heroes to go up against. Stauford is a town with ugly secrets, and Jacob is a man with ugly intent, to put it lightly.
The writing in the pages is excellent, Keisling makes weaving past, present, and numerous characters seem like child’s play. He perfectly encapsulates this story in a genuinely creepy atmosphere. The horrors are described well enough to make you cringe when you visualize them. Along with the world and character building, Keisling doesn’t slouch on the more aggressive elements of horror. There’s much to love here. I was satisfied throughout the book, beginning, middle, and end.
Devil’s Creek is a special book. Not only do I consider it right up there with Salem’s Lot, in terms of best small town horror, but I would go a step further and say that Devil’s Creek is one of the best horror novels I’ve ever read.
**Review originally posted on Kendall Reviews** http://kendallreviews.com/book-review-devils-creek-todd-keisling/
I’m just back from a literary escape to the town of Stauford, Kentucky, and let me tell you something: this was one unforgettable trip. If I close my eyes and listen closely, I can still hear the children singing. Their lyrics may sound holy, but beneath the surface, there’s something sinister in their sound. They’re begging me to join in on the chorus, but I know better. The only hymn I’ll be singing today is one of praise for this superb piece of horror fiction known as DEVIL’S CREEK.
We’re only four full months into the year, and I can confidently claim that this novel has a place on my Best of 2020 list. It was my introduction to Todd Keisling’s writing, and I’m blown away. There were so many things I loved about this story, but what first caught my attention was the visual aspect of the cover and the internal formatting. Both are stunning. The cover lured me in, and aside from the words within the pages, I was taken with the illustrations scattered throughout the book. The design definitely adds to the haunting atmosphere throughout the story.
DEVIL’S CREEK was tough to put down once I started. You know those reads that settle into your bones and you’re left with an ache every time you have to set them aside? This is one of those books. Keisling drops the reader right into the action from the beginning, giving us a full glimpse into the church’s history. I was hooked immediately by this flashback, and then eased right into the present-day portion of the novel, feeling like I was along for the ride as Jack made his way back home. Speaking of this, I loved reading about this character’s return to Stauford after many years away. It seems like a simple thing, but the author’s descriptions of Jack’s return really moved me. Keisling perfectly portrayed the feelings one has upon arrival in their hometown after a long absence. I loved the reminiscence and the descriptions of what it’s like to experience new growth but also decay in a place where you’ve grown up. As Jack cruises around town, the moments of nostalgia are both relatable and gripping at times. This is where those early chapters lay solid groundwork for the ultimate small-town horror experience to come.
The author tackles important topics throughout the novel, one of which is organized religion and the negative aspects that can accompany an overzealous group of people. The reader witnesses the hypocrisy, racism and bigotry that sometimes breed faster in small towns. There are clear messages in the writing, but it’s never preachy (no pun intended) and seamlessly woven into the fabric of the story. Another aspect that I loved was the slow-building dread. The author did an excellent job providing just enough nuggets of information from the characters’ past to keep me guessing about the future and flipping those pages. The excellent pacing and the setting were two main factors in the success of this story. Keisling’s descriptions of the surroundings are so well done—you don’t need to be from the south or have traveled there to feel the setting come alive. But if you have been to this region, it will only enhance your reading experience and immersion into the story. When I was a teenager, I actually traveled to southeast Kentucky one summer, with a youth group of all things (you’ll get this when you read the book), and we stayed at a campground. Having been to this region before really made the images in my mind come to life as I was reading.
This is another book that I’d love to see adapted as a film. There were so many moments that actually frightened me, and that’s a rare occurrence. Jacob Masters, the leader of the Church of Holy Voices, is as creepy as they come, especially in his later form. The description of his image and even his voice is terrifying at times. As things begin to go south in the town, the creepiness and gore intensifies, and it’s some of the best I’ve read in a while. I don’t want to give spoilers, so I’ll leave it at that and allow you to experience it firsthand. As I visualized this story in my mind, some scenes, while original to the story, were vaguely reminiscent of some favorite horror films, and I loved that aspect as well.
I’m so excited to read more of Todd Keisling’s work, and hopefully soon. Those of you who are familiar with my reviews often hear me talk about that “triple threat” of horror, humor, and heart. These are the factors that propel a read to the top of my list. If it feels authentic, I connect with the characters, and I can feel the emotions coursing through the story, then I’m sold. Sometimes the balance of these three things is not equal, but they are all there in some measure in my favorite reads. This novel has a heavy dose of horror, and it comes in both human and supernatural forms. It also has a heartbeat that carries the reader along as they experience a range of emotions—fear, anger, grief, nostalgia, and even joy at times. This one left me both haunted and exhilarated. If you’re looking for the thrill and adrenaline rush that accompanies a solid horror experience, be sure to book a trip to DEVIL’S CREEK.
I’m just back from a literary escape to the town of Stauford, Kentucky, and let me tell you something: this was one unforgettable trip. If I close my eyes and listen closely, I can still hear the children singing. Their lyrics may sound holy, but beneath the surface, there’s something sinister in their sound. They’re begging me to join in on the chorus, but I know better. The only hymn I’ll be singing today is one of praise for this superb piece of horror fiction known as DEVIL’S CREEK.
We’re only four full months into the year, and I can confidently claim that this novel has a place on my Best of 2020 list. It was my introduction to Todd Keisling’s writing, and I’m blown away. There were so many things I loved about this story, but what first caught my attention was the visual aspect of the cover and the internal formatting. Both are stunning. The cover lured me in, and aside from the words within the pages, I was taken with the illustrations scattered throughout the book. The design definitely adds to the haunting atmosphere throughout the story.
DEVIL’S CREEK was tough to put down once I started. You know those reads that settle into your bones and you’re left with an ache every time you have to set them aside? This is one of those books. Keisling drops the reader right into the action from the beginning, giving us a full glimpse into the church’s history. I was hooked immediately by this flashback, and then eased right into the present-day portion of the novel, feeling like I was along for the ride as Jack made his way back home. Speaking of this, I loved reading about this character’s return to Stauford after many years away. It seems like a simple thing, but the author’s descriptions of Jack’s return really moved me. Keisling perfectly portrayed the feelings one has upon arrival in their hometown after a long absence. I loved the reminiscence and the descriptions of what it’s like to experience new growth but also decay in a place where you’ve grown up. As Jack cruises around town, the moments of nostalgia are both relatable and gripping at times. This is where those early chapters lay solid groundwork for the ultimate small-town horror experience to come.
The author tackles important topics throughout the novel, one of which is organized religion and the negative aspects that can accompany an overzealous group of people. The reader witnesses the hypocrisy, racism and bigotry that sometimes breed faster in small towns. There are clear messages in the writing, but it’s never preachy (no pun intended) and seamlessly woven into the fabric of the story. Another aspect that I loved was the slow-building dread. The author did an excellent job providing just enough nuggets of information from the characters’ past to keep me guessing about the future and flipping those pages. The excellent pacing and the setting were two main factors in the success of this story. Keisling’s descriptions of the surroundings are so well done—you don’t need to be from the south or have traveled there to feel the setting come alive. But if you have been to this region, it will only enhance your reading experience and immersion into the story. When I was a teenager, I actually traveled to southeast Kentucky one summer, with a youth group of all things (you’ll get this when you read the book), and we stayed at a campground. Having been to this region before really made the images in my mind come to life as I was reading.
This is another book that I’d love to see adapted as a film. There were so many moments that actually frightened me, and that’s a rare occurrence. Jacob Masters, the leader of the Church of Holy Voices, is as creepy as they come, especially in his later form. The description of his image and even his voice is terrifying at times. As things begin to go south in the town, the creepiness and gore intensifies, and it’s some of the best I’ve read in a while. I don’t want to give spoilers, so I’ll leave it at that and allow you to experience it firsthand. As I visualized this story in my mind, some scenes, while original to the story, were vaguely reminiscent of some favorite horror films, and I loved that aspect as well.
I’m so excited to read more of Todd Keisling’s work, and hopefully soon. Those of you who are familiar with my reviews often hear me talk about that “triple threat” of horror, humor, and heart. These are the factors that propel a read to the top of my list. If it feels authentic, I connect with the characters, and I can feel the emotions coursing through the story, then I’m sold. Sometimes the balance of these three things is not equal, but they are all there in some measure in my favorite reads. This novel has a heavy dose of horror, and it comes in both human and supernatural forms. It also has a heartbeat that carries the reader along as they experience a range of emotions—fear, anger, grief, nostalgia, and even joy at times. This one left me both haunted and exhilarated. If you’re looking for the thrill and adrenaline rush that accompanies a solid horror experience, be sure to book a trip to DEVIL’S CREEK.
I’m a big sucker for small town horror and cult themed stories. After reading The Lost Village I needed a similar trope to get the buzz. The promising synopsis got me into reading this book. Let me tell you what this story has:
✅ atmospheric, creepy small town
✅ cults!!
✅ unreliable characters - a lot of them. But instead of confusing, they kept the story going well while pointing at each other.
✅ interesting chapter endings that kept me intrigued
✅ chilling moments
Basically any horror/dark thriller reader would love this book. It has some bumps or plot holes, but overall its good.
✅ atmospheric, creepy small town
✅ cults!!
✅ unreliable characters - a lot of them. But instead of confusing, they kept the story going well while pointing at each other.
✅ interesting chapter endings that kept me intrigued
✅ chilling moments
Basically any horror/dark thriller reader would love this book. It has some bumps or plot holes, but overall its good.