Russel James

Allie Layton returns to Stone Harbor. She expects her return to be a great place to restart her life away from the pressures and rat-race of LA and Hollywood. Scott Tackett -- part of her past -- is there, too. He now runs his father's hardware store. Just as it appears they are going to rekindle their old friendship, a strange man comes to the island. Joey Oates. He's more than just dark, creepy and disturbing....he might just be the devil himself. And, he's there to finish a ritual that was interrupted 300 years ago. A ritual that will open the portal to hell.....

Oh my! This book definitely kept my attention from start to finish. The characters, plot and descriptions are well-crafted. This story has some rather disturbing elements and touches on some heavy topics -- rape, death of children, etc. But....if the devil was present tempting an island of unsuspecting people in preparation to open the gate to hell....bad, bad things would go down. So, definitely disturbing....but not overdone.

This is the first book by Russell James that I've read. I'm definitely going to read more! This story creeped me out! Very entertaining!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. No deals with the devil were made in the writing of this review. Honest.**… (más)

A new chapter in the eternal fight between good and evil.
This book has a plot like something taken from an action movie. It's got it all: good guys vs bad guys, explosions, magic, blood and violence, and some romance on the side.
As a book, however, it lacks something to keep a sense of suspense. The pacing is occasionally slowed by unnecessary scenes, whereas in other parts things seem to happen too quickly. Some characters felt somewhat amorphous, or made decisions/conclusions that were too neatly fitting into the plot. I also feel the witches were hard done by. For characters that should have had a staring role, they were effectively sexy window dressing.
Overall it's not a bad book for some escapism.… (más)