Title: The Devourer
Author: C. H. Chelser
Publisher: Azera Publishing; 2 edition
Published: May 17, 2019
Genres: Horror, Paranormal
Pages: 413
Format: ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Reading Challenge: 2019 Fraterfest readathon
Reading Challenge: 2019 Fraterfest readathon
Purchase: Amazon
This book has been on my review list for some time now, but I just got around to reading it. I thought it would be the perfect for the fraterfest readathon. The original cover and the synopsis hinted at things sinister, as a result I was prepared to be taken on a journey where I would be scared to sleep with the lights off. I am happy to report, this did not happen, however, there were some eerie and suspenseful moments, which had me fearing for the characters who were directly affected by the unknown entities.
While reading, I had a picture in my mind of how I would write my review. However, by the time the story ended, the picture I had in my mind took on a different format.
Set in 1858 Paris, The Devourer tells the story of Mercedes a seamstress and part owner of a fashion shop, which she operates alongside her husband. She lost her daughter, and she still grieves the loss. Besides grieving the loss of her daughter, she was knee deep in other family issues that had the potential to break her. However, Mercedes proved to be a strong and smart woman. She possesses the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. This ability would take her on a journey where she would straddle the world of the living and the dead in an effort to save her daughter’s soul.
The author introduced me
to a world of card reading, astral travel, angels and demons who devours the souls and energy of the living.
to a world of card reading, astral travel, angels and demons who devours the souls and energy of the living.
I found The Devourer to be an interesting and unique tale, but I have to admit it took me a while to get into the story. As result, it took me longer than normal to get through the book. However, as soon as the story picked up, I found myself immersed in Mercedes quest.
The story switched between the earthly and spiritual plains and provided POVs of the characters from both realms. The switch was seamless and easy to follow. I enjoyed both aspects, but I found the spiritual aspect to be more complex. There was numerous references to colours in regards to soul of the various entities, which were at times confusing. After awhile the references became a bit monotonous and boring. It took me awhile to understand the events in spiritual plain but as the author delved deeper in these things clearer. I slowly came to understand the actions of the characters from both plains. It was interesting to observe the living working with the dead, to achieve a common goal.
The story did not end the way I thought it would but after analyzing the events, I figured the ending created be more favorable.
Conclusion/Recommendation
To conclude, I found this to be interesting and intense read. This story is for persons who enjoy stories that features strong paranormal elements.
Mercedes Fabron, pragmatic wife and childless mother, has her hands full running her husband’s fashion shop and navigating social etiquette. All of which would be considerably easier without uninvited ghosts haunting her night and day.
Out in the streets, people are dying of an undetermined cause. The newspapers speak of an unknown disease, the police speak of accidents. But when a dead man is found in her stairwell, Mercedes has every reason to suspect something much more sinister.
Only the ghosts know the truth, but they are too afraid to tell.
In fact, they are scared to death…
Nadene's addiction to reading began at an early age, when a family friend gifted her a copy of Wuthering Heights. From that moment she was never without a book.She will read anything as long the material is compelling enough to hold her attention. She gained many experiences through the pages of the books she had the opportunity to read.She created this blog to share her love of books with like minded individuals hopes that in sharing reviews of the books read visitors to the blog will discover their next addictive read. When not reading, Nadene enjoys cooking, listening to music and watching television.
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Great review, this is the first time I have seen or heard about this book and it looks and sounds very intriguing and right up my alley as well. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
I like all of the paranormal elements from the card reading to the astral travel and various paranormal entities that you mentioned were in this story. That cover is pretty creepy and I can see why you chose this as one of your reads for Fraterfest!
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
That cover is scary!!!
i have realized i prefer watching paranorm than reading.. and this one sounds interesting
I’m sad this wasn’t a little bit better but still, it does sound like it was a fun read for this time of year!
This one is new to me. I enjoy paranormal stories and this one sounds intense. I will have to keep it in mind.
This sounds full-on. Great review.
Sounds like a great read.
whew that cover so creepy, maybe I’m not sorry that you were disappointed at least you can keep the lights on now LOL
Oh yeah, that sounds perfect for #fraterfestrat. I do enjoy that its a historical paranormal suspense. You do get those as often. Too bad it took a while to get going, but glad it turned out well.
Yes, it was a slow start but it ended ok.
That book cover looks scary! Thanks for the review.
I know right. You are welcome.
Great review!
Thank you.
The cover looks so creepy!
I know, right? 🙂
I’m curious about the end now and it looks quite interesting too!
that cover is chilling – I’m too wimpy for this one 😉
Lol. Its not all bad.