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Descent
A beautiful young painter falls in love with a dangerously sexy man who may be in league with the Devil ... who may even be a devil. So begins her DESCENT into a world of violence and horror, a world of rituals and madness and unspeakable cruelty. Can she retain her soul despite the things he does to her, the things he forces her to witness ... the things he forces her to do? When you dance with the Devil, can you ever make it stop?
Exclusive Series, Book 5
Exclusive Series, Book 5
- GenresHorror
331 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
2 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Sandy DeLuca
101 books38 followersSandy DeLuca has been a painter since 1985. Her worked has been exhibited in college galleries, hair salons, tattoo parlors, bookstores and traditional galleries. Her art has been purchased throughout the United States, Canada, Asia and Europe. In addition, she has painted cover art and interior art for publications which have reached worldwide audiences.
She has been a writer since the late 80’s, penning nonfiction articles and photography for magazines and newsletters--throughout the 90’s. One of her claims to fame is writing under the pen name Autumn Raindancer. Two of her poetic chants were published under that pen in the popular New Age book TO RIDE A SILVER BROOMSTICK (Silver Ravenwolf).
She created GODDESS OF THE BAY publishing in the late 90’s, producing several anthologies and a string of small press magazines. From 2001 to 2003 she edited and owned DECEMBER GIRL PRESS, producing novels and short story collections.
She was a finalist for the BRAM STOKER for poetry award in 2001 and 2014.
At present she is a fulltime writer and painter. She’s written and published five novels, two poetry collections and several novellas. Her most ecent novella HELL'S DOOR, will be released from DARKFUSE in September, 2013. She is assistant curator at NEW HOPE GALLERY, in Cranston, RI and continues to exhibit her art in local venues.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 23, 2012
This was a dark one.
Julia, demeaned by the constant mockery and verbal abuse perpetrated by her parents, chaffing against the restraints of her life at home and a bit lost at the loss of her brother, sets out to find her own life. Unfortunately, it doesn't turn out too well. She chose the wrong traveling partner.
Sammy is the dark, mysterious bad boy to whom Julia is immediately attracted. Almost from the moment of their first meeting, the descent begins. Julia's choices disappear. The results of which will haunt her for the rest of her life.
The story is told in a back and forth format alternating between the present and what happened 21+ years ago. This forces the reader to look back at Julia's life through her eyes and experience her guilt, pain and fear.
I'm not sure if this story is about good vs. evil- be it supernatural or purely human, if it's about balance in the world or lack thereof, or if it's about a young (then older) woman coming to terms with who she is, where she's from, what she was forced to do and what she willingly participated in.
I am sure that it is partly about what it is to be a woman, and what sometimes happens to women in this world. In that respect, this is a very dark story indeed. I loved it.
Julia, demeaned by the constant mockery and verbal abuse perpetrated by her parents, chaffing against the restraints of her life at home and a bit lost at the loss of her brother, sets out to find her own life. Unfortunately, it doesn't turn out too well. She chose the wrong traveling partner.
Sammy is the dark, mysterious bad boy to whom Julia is immediately attracted. Almost from the moment of their first meeting, the descent begins. Julia's choices disappear. The results of which will haunt her for the rest of her life.
The story is told in a back and forth format alternating between the present and what happened 21+ years ago. This forces the reader to look back at Julia's life through her eyes and experience her guilt, pain and fear.
I'm not sure if this story is about good vs. evil- be it supernatural or purely human, if it's about balance in the world or lack thereof, or if it's about a young (then older) woman coming to terms with who she is, where she's from, what she was forced to do and what she willingly participated in.
I am sure that it is partly about what it is to be a woman, and what sometimes happens to women in this world. In that respect, this is a very dark story indeed. I loved it.
May 14, 2012
Sandy DeLuca's DESCENT is a dark and imaginative ride into Hell that bounces effectively between what happened in the early 70s and Julia's present day predicament. There were some typos in this digital edition which were a little distracting at times but the story itself, and most of all the narrator, really sucked me into the story world. It has a brisk pace, great imagery, a bit of mystery and a whole lot of horror. Sandy does a great job in portraying the destruction rotten men do and how trapped their victims (who survive) can feel. We're all prisoners to something but the narrator is subjected to one of the worst kinds of prisons. Looking forward to checking out some of her other books!
December 20, 2016
Is anyone in the genre still writing for adults? The answer is, yes, Sandy DeLuca. Her work offers chills and pleasures that are no mere matter of gore but that satisfy in the way all real literature satisfies – in the way all art satisfies – by challenging and touching us … and ultimately by changing us.
February 13, 2011
This is one of my favorite books I have read in a long time. To put it bluntly it is kind of creepy and the voice that the author has in this book is amazing.
March 8, 2013
Julia, young and naive, loses her virginity to a piece of human garbage named Sammy. Her aunt tries to warn Julia away from Sammy, but no, she is foolishly attracted to his bad boy streak. (Why do some women like the bad guys, anyway?). Julia's descent is chronicled by a cross-state spree with Sammy that grows darker and colder with each page.
This is a tale about psychological and physical abuse. Which is more extreme, more debilitating, more devastating? The main character, Julia, is emotionally trapped by a monster of a man. A few times in the story I must admit being puzzled by Julia's actions. Why didn't she just sprint away from this creep? Go to the cops, a shelter, anywhere but stay with him? Maybe it was all the coke she kept snorting hazing her mind. The drug use in this story is pervasive and I wanted to reach through the book on several occasions and snatch the drugs from Julia before she abused and lost more common sense brain cells. Sure, Sammy threatens Julia and her family if she does run away, but would that be enough for someone to stick around? Hmm, I sure wouldn't! I'm curious how women readers feel about female characters being weak like this.
Then again there all kinds of stories of abused people who not only want but enjoy staying with their abuser, so maybe it makes perfect sense. I paused with this question at various points in the story, wondering and perhaps even frustrated with Julia's actions. Why, why, why?
(this isn't necessarily a criticism of the story, BTW, the story evoked a passionate response from the reader)
As part of the DarkFuse book club, members are able to interact with some authors (so cool!) and I asked the author if she researched abuse, because her story (even the question of whether or not an abused would stay with an abuser) felt very intentional and well-researched. The writing style was deliberate with a staccato rhythm and flowed well. The descriptions and imagery were plentiful, but not overdone. The characterization was excellent. You will love and hate people and actions in this book. And don't get me wrong, these are real people, not cardboard characters.
The darker side of the character Sammy reminded me a lot of Norman from Rose Madder. Norman, however, had a more humorous side that made him fun to follow around. Sammy is more somber and creepy. I didn't find much redeeming with Sammy, while I felt Norman had some redeeming characteristics.
By the end of DESCENT, I felt like I'd been reading in a sauna. On a subtext level, it's an emotional descent that keeps readers turning pages to find out what happens to people you feel like you know, Sammy and Julia. I wondered for a minute if DeLuca was going to turn them into Bonnie & Clyde, but you'll have to read to find out if she does take the story that direction. It's recommended reading and one of those stories that lingers with you after reading. I took a couple days to let this gel before writing this review. I will gladly read more work from this author. 4,965 Kindle locations. Recommended.
This is a tale about psychological and physical abuse. Which is more extreme, more debilitating, more devastating? The main character, Julia, is emotionally trapped by a monster of a man. A few times in the story I must admit being puzzled by Julia's actions. Why didn't she just sprint away from this creep? Go to the cops, a shelter, anywhere but stay with him? Maybe it was all the coke she kept snorting hazing her mind. The drug use in this story is pervasive and I wanted to reach through the book on several occasions and snatch the drugs from Julia before she abused and lost more common sense brain cells. Sure, Sammy threatens Julia and her family if she does run away, but would that be enough for someone to stick around? Hmm, I sure wouldn't! I'm curious how women readers feel about female characters being weak like this.
Then again there all kinds of stories of abused people who not only want but enjoy staying with their abuser, so maybe it makes perfect sense. I paused with this question at various points in the story, wondering and perhaps even frustrated with Julia's actions. Why, why, why?
(this isn't necessarily a criticism of the story, BTW, the story evoked a passionate response from the reader)
As part of the DarkFuse book club, members are able to interact with some authors (so cool!) and I asked the author if she researched abuse, because her story (even the question of whether or not an abused would stay with an abuser) felt very intentional and well-researched. The writing style was deliberate with a staccato rhythm and flowed well. The descriptions and imagery were plentiful, but not overdone. The characterization was excellent. You will love and hate people and actions in this book. And don't get me wrong, these are real people, not cardboard characters.
The darker side of the character Sammy reminded me a lot of Norman from Rose Madder. Norman, however, had a more humorous side that made him fun to follow around. Sammy is more somber and creepy. I didn't find much redeeming with Sammy, while I felt Norman had some redeeming characteristics.
By the end of DESCENT, I felt like I'd been reading in a sauna. On a subtext level, it's an emotional descent that keeps readers turning pages to find out what happens to people you feel like you know, Sammy and Julia. I wondered for a minute if DeLuca was going to turn them into Bonnie & Clyde, but you'll have to read to find out if she does take the story that direction. It's recommended reading and one of those stories that lingers with you after reading. I took a couple days to let this gel before writing this review. I will gladly read more work from this author. 4,965 Kindle locations. Recommended.
August 22, 2014
Original review posted at Layers of Thought.
A slowly intensifying and terrifying page turner that details a woman’s descent into abuse, addiction, and hell and/or insanity. It’s not a novel for the faint-of-heart.
Shellie’s description: The story alternates between two different times in the main character’s life, the past (occurring during the 1970’s) and the present. The main character, Julia, is a creative personality, an artist who paints pictures and cares for her ailing mother at the family home. She also has a terrible past and secrets that come to light as the story of her youthful life unfolds.
As a young girl she didn’t have the emotional support of her parents who dismissed her art, asserting that her life should be one of traditional domesticity. In fact her mother, the only surviving family member, is still verbally abusive. This created a background which led her to choose the wrong man – a deranged psychopath. As the story moves along her secrets and the reasons for succumbing to the lure of mind-numbing substances and horrible men become clearer.
With themes of demons, angels and the beings that exist in between the realms of good and evil, Julia finds power, retribution, and some kind of peace in spite of her descent.
Shellie’s thoughts: This is a wonderful and horrifying novel. It has a writing style that is easy to read and follow, the author moving back and forth between the past and present as the main character’s terrible story is told. With no issues in the pacing or editing to mar the reading experience, it’s a seamless read.
Additionally, what Sandy DeLuca does is to lead the reader into the darkness slowly, increasing the tension so that the book becomes difficult to put down. It’s hard to turn away as the plot slowly crashes to its climax – and just like a gawker at a crime scene or auto accident, the reader is left wanting to see what’s happening even though we know it’s not going to be pleasant.
I would recommend Descent especially to women who love horror or crime fiction since it involves issues that are important to and about women, but I’d also recommend it to anyone who loves literary horror, since they too will enjoy the book. A word of caution though - this book is extremely dark, has strong language, and is at times violent. It’s NOT for persons of sensitive or delicate sensibilities. But since I love tastefully dark, visceral and shocking reads it’s a 4 star in my opinion.
A slowly intensifying and terrifying page turner that details a woman’s descent into abuse, addiction, and hell and/or insanity. It’s not a novel for the faint-of-heart.
Shellie’s description: The story alternates between two different times in the main character’s life, the past (occurring during the 1970’s) and the present. The main character, Julia, is a creative personality, an artist who paints pictures and cares for her ailing mother at the family home. She also has a terrible past and secrets that come to light as the story of her youthful life unfolds.
As a young girl she didn’t have the emotional support of her parents who dismissed her art, asserting that her life should be one of traditional domesticity. In fact her mother, the only surviving family member, is still verbally abusive. This created a background which led her to choose the wrong man – a deranged psychopath. As the story moves along her secrets and the reasons for succumbing to the lure of mind-numbing substances and horrible men become clearer.
With themes of demons, angels and the beings that exist in between the realms of good and evil, Julia finds power, retribution, and some kind of peace in spite of her descent.
Shellie’s thoughts: This is a wonderful and horrifying novel. It has a writing style that is easy to read and follow, the author moving back and forth between the past and present as the main character’s terrible story is told. With no issues in the pacing or editing to mar the reading experience, it’s a seamless read.
Additionally, what Sandy DeLuca does is to lead the reader into the darkness slowly, increasing the tension so that the book becomes difficult to put down. It’s hard to turn away as the plot slowly crashes to its climax – and just like a gawker at a crime scene or auto accident, the reader is left wanting to see what’s happening even though we know it’s not going to be pleasant.
I would recommend Descent especially to women who love horror or crime fiction since it involves issues that are important to and about women, but I’d also recommend it to anyone who loves literary horror, since they too will enjoy the book. A word of caution though - this book is extremely dark, has strong language, and is at times violent. It’s NOT for persons of sensitive or delicate sensibilities. But since I love tastefully dark, visceral and shocking reads it’s a 4 star in my opinion.
August 10, 2016
Maybe it's the fact that everyone spoke so highly of this book I was constantly expecting to be blown away. I wasn't.
Don't get me wrong, this book is really good and I would highly recommend it to most horror fans, it just didn't "wow" me.
The writing is really good, which is always nice, and the story itself is pretty unique. The build-up can manage to make you uncomfortable at times, which I really appreciate, as there is very little than can make me squirm. The way the story goes back and forth between past and present was handled -in my opinion- to perfection, so points to the author for that.
Did I enjoy it? Absolutely, it is a great read and I highly recommend it. Would I read it again? No, but it was a great ride and you should hop in, too.
Don't get me wrong, this book is really good and I would highly recommend it to most horror fans, it just didn't "wow" me.
The writing is really good, which is always nice, and the story itself is pretty unique. The build-up can manage to make you uncomfortable at times, which I really appreciate, as there is very little than can make me squirm. The way the story goes back and forth between past and present was handled -in my opinion- to perfection, so points to the author for that.
Did I enjoy it? Absolutely, it is a great read and I highly recommend it. Would I read it again? No, but it was a great ride and you should hop in, too.
December 7, 2012
DESCENT is a road trip into hell and back with deep, dark imagery and frighteningly believable characterizations.
The narrative effectively flits back and forth between past and present and you find yourself literally getting to know the protagonist as two different people, an extremely effective conceptual framework; we are exposed to her thoughts on her younger self, her regrets, and her ultimate corruption on a reflective, personal level.
This novel reminds us just how easy love can be twisted into something horrific. How easy love can lead to unnatural obsession. It documents one innocent girl's descent into drugs, serial murder, and occultism in prose that leaps off the page.
If you haven't read Sandy DeLuca before, start here and start now.
The narrative effectively flits back and forth between past and present and you find yourself literally getting to know the protagonist as two different people, an extremely effective conceptual framework; we are exposed to her thoughts on her younger self, her regrets, and her ultimate corruption on a reflective, personal level.
This novel reminds us just how easy love can be twisted into something horrific. How easy love can lead to unnatural obsession. It documents one innocent girl's descent into drugs, serial murder, and occultism in prose that leaps off the page.
If you haven't read Sandy DeLuca before, start here and start now.
August 18, 2011
The initial reviews for this excellent novel have been very gratifying.
“DeLuca’s taut, fast-paced yarn draws you in and screws with your equilibrium.”
SHROUD MAGAZINE
“There’s only been a few times in my life when I had to put a book down because it affected me so much that I had to take a moment and catch my breath.”
HORROR WORLD
“Mesmerizing and decadent … a seductively violent tale of love gone wrong in the most horrifying ways imaginable … soul tearing … will horrify you to the point that you will have a hard time reading it because your hands are shaking so much. This is a great year for horror fiction lovers, Uninvited Books has another brilliant edition to add to their stable of outstanding dark literature.”
LITERARY MAYHEM
"With artful precision and a steady hand, DeLuca tells a tale of unflinching terror in gorgeously drawn set pieces that leave the reader rattled to the bone. DESCENT is a gripping, beautifully written, intense novel of profound evil and human weakness."
TOMB OF DARK DELIGHTS
“DeLuca’s taut, fast-paced yarn draws you in and screws with your equilibrium.”
SHROUD MAGAZINE
“There’s only been a few times in my life when I had to put a book down because it affected me so much that I had to take a moment and catch my breath.”
HORROR WORLD
“Mesmerizing and decadent … a seductively violent tale of love gone wrong in the most horrifying ways imaginable … soul tearing … will horrify you to the point that you will have a hard time reading it because your hands are shaking so much. This is a great year for horror fiction lovers, Uninvited Books has another brilliant edition to add to their stable of outstanding dark literature.”
LITERARY MAYHEM
"With artful precision and a steady hand, DeLuca tells a tale of unflinching terror in gorgeously drawn set pieces that leave the reader rattled to the bone. DESCENT is a gripping, beautifully written, intense novel of profound evil and human weakness."
TOMB OF DARK DELIGHTS
September 2, 2011
I won this book in the giveaways and to be honest I didn't really know what it was about. I was just drawn to the cover. When I received the book and found that it was horror literature, I was a bit hestitant to start reading it due to the fact that I am the biggest scaredy cat ever. However once I started reading it, there was something that intigued and scared me at the same time. I found that from the very begining there was something about Sammy that terrified me from the start. The things that he did sometimes kept me up at night. I will say that this book stayed with me long after I read it. I can't say that I loved the book but I did like and enjoyed it. I even lent it to a friend of mine so that she can read it too.
June 28, 2018
Whoa. Someone fetch a priest! This was a rapid and rutted ride into Hell. Your warning: Very graphic, gritty and disturbing. I loved it. DeLuca takes the reader into some extremely dark places. Great spooky horror read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews