Devil's Pass (Seven (the series)) by Sigmund Brouwer

Seven #6

by Sigmund Brouwer

Seventeen-year-old Webb's abusive stepfather has made it impossible for him to live at home, so Webb survives on the streets of Toronto by busking with his guitar and working as a dishwasher. When Webb's grandfather dies, his will stipulates that his grandsons fulfill specific requests. Webb's task takes him to the Canol Trail in Canada's Far North, where he finds out that there are much scarier things than the cold and the occasional grizzly bear. With a Native guide, two German tourists and his guitar for company, Webb is forced to confront terrible events in his grandfather's past and somehow deal with the pain and confusion of his own life.

Genres: Adventure, Young Adult, Canada, Fiction, Mystery, Teen, Family

Mass Market Paperback

Published January 1, 1838

About the author

Sigmund loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his Rock&Roll Literacy Show.

Reviews

[PJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps it's my own psychological baggage that makes me avoid books with too much trauma. This was the sixth book in the series I read and it is the one that ruffled my feathers the most. The whole "my word vs. your word" thing is an issue I've had to deal with in my own life and is my greatest fear...not being believed when you tell the truth. In this book, it's the truth of an 11-year-old boy vs his new stepfather. This book got me thinking about what truth is and how our society requires proof and irrefutable evidence for pretty much everything. This book talks about strength, particularly what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and the things you will go through for the things and people that matter the most to you. And strength is a topic that I've been dealing with lately in my own life.

Of the books in this series, this one is the one I've liked the most.

[Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. Mr Brouwer created a young man who has struggled with abuse and grief, and one who I liked very much. He was strong and centered and had a positive view on life despite all the trauma and loss he had suffered. The author also gave me a setting that was unique and fascinating in that most of us will never see the remote wilds of Canada. I love that the place was brought to life in a very real way. I do wish the book were about 100 pages longer so that he could have delved even further into the descriptions of the place and the analysis of character.

[Anastasia202 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Webb is a 17 year old street boy who chose to forget his past, including his abusive stepfather and a vulnerable (to her psychotic husband) mother. Upon the death of Webb's admirable grandfather, he is willed to travel to the Canol Trail of the Northwest Territories, in order to solve a mystery of his grandfather's youth.
The 17 year old's street-experiences come handy when he is confronted by a local malefactor of the small town of Norman Wells, and also by two nasty Germans...and natural beasts like wolves and grizzly bears. By revealing barbarous,awful secrets to his grandfather's past, Webb creates his future and ultimately is forced to make difficult, unpleasant choices.Will he fulfill his grandfather's mission? Will he manage his chosen road? And...is his grandfather a murderer?
Throughout this novel, Webb emotionally (and physically!) struggles with the loss of his grandfather and family, but is filled with determination to find security in such a hateful,harsh world. In this way, this book is related to Susin Nielsen's "The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen," where a young 13-year-old boy is trying to rebuild his life after a devastating suicidal murder occurs in his family. Both of these novels, I would recommend to those who are struggling to recover after a personal tragedy.

I was actually surprised by the excellence of this novel, as compared to "Jump Cut," (in the same series). It uses a more serious and mature tone which immediately engages the reader. Now, I actually want to read more books from the series and see what missions the other grandson's of David McLean will be completing.

[Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

2020 Review: Just as good (or better) the second time reading! My favourite book of the series.

2016 Review: I will probably be a bit biased in this review, as I have met Sigmund Brouwer on a few different occasions, and have had a chance to talk books with him at these times.

Regardless of that, Sigmund Brouwer is a masterful storyteller. His contribution to the Seven Series is absolutely fantastic. He writes in a way that keeps me wanting to keep turning the pages. This is the first book in this series that I really felt a let-down once the book was over. I want to know what happens next! I guess for that to happen, I will have to read the Seven Series Sequels.

I really enjoyed the character of Webb. He was a very believable character, with both very positive qualities, and a few very harmful qualities. Of any of the main characters that I've read in this series (so far), he seems to be the most believable. I really enjoyed the connection that he made with his grandfather, and how his grandfather's teachings would come back to him and help him along the way. Other books lost the importance of the grandfather, whereas I believe this one focused on the relationship between grandfather and grandchild.

Having Webb's mother be named Charlotte made me laugh. Charlotte's Web. But that's just me.

One book left in this original series. Time to read Last Message!

[Jeff Raymond · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure how this one is ending up on so many awards lists. A part of a fourteen(!) book series, each able to stand alone on its own, this is ostensibly a YA book that has no trappings, topics, or settings that would give it a YA flair, and with some questionable writing to boot.

In this book, Webb is one of seven grandchildren to receive a task from his grandfather's will, and it takes him to the northern reaches of Canada, where he runs into bears, bounty hunters, and all sorts of problems in the wild.

That's basically the story. All the characters sound the same, all of them do the same things, enjoy the same drinks, and so on. It's just... not good. Not compelling. Not especially well-done at all. I credit it for being a readable story, and perhaps it fits in better as a complete narrative among the seven-to-fourteen titles its part of, but, honestly? Stay away from this one. There are better adventure books and better YA books than this.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that becUse it took me so long to finish this book I didn't find it as good as I would have if I didn't spend so much time not reading it. Also, if I thought about it more or showed more interest that I would've enjoyed it. The author did a jod job at creating The main character Webb. Webb had a backstory that made readers feel bad for him and was always put in situations that clearly made readers stay on his side. Although the book was only okay, I think the whole idea of seven books that have part of the same story and are all written by different people is an interesting concept.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kid is reading this for a book report and after hearing some things about it, I got interested and wanted to read the whole thing. Good story, it’s part of a series. Be interesting to read all of them.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced adventure with a hero with a dark past and a chip on his shoulder. Flashbacks work well in this fantastic story, that kept me guessing until the end.

[Tomiko Robson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read with Matsu.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read anything by Sigmund Brouwer before but he's a damn fine storyteller! Here we are in Book Six of the Seven series and Webb's on the task set him by Grandpa McLean, hiking the Canol Trail in the Northwest Territories. There's lots of action and adventure in Devil's Pass - wolves and grizzlies and real danger NWT-style! But it's the novel's back story that I think will really haunt me here - Webb's horrific dealings with his abusive step-father, Elliott - I don't know when I have encountered a more viscous, psychotic character in YA fiction than Elliott, a character who comes pretty close to defining what evil is truly like, who spends six years torturing his stepson. There's a satisfying resolution of sorts to that thread of the novel but you can see how the cycle of abuse works here in a way that I thought was quite amazing and Brouwer deserves full kudos for this. There's a pretty good mystery here too so if you wanna find out who done it, get yourself to Devil's Pass!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an audiobook free from NH Downloadable Books through the public library.

Webb is 17 and living on the streets. He had to leave his abusive stepfather and didn't want to let his mother know about the abuse. Upon the death of Webb's grandfather, he is willed to walk the Canol Trail of the Northwest Territories, in order to solve a mystery of his grandfather's youth.

Throughout this novel, Webb emotionally and physically struggles with the loss of his grandfather and family. He must walk a trail full of bears and deal with another teen trying to take revenge on him and who should be in jail for assault. While walking the trail he solves pieces of his grandfather's past. These pieces lead him to other individuals he must meet and then make decisions about what he wants to tell them of his grandfather's past.

I really enjoyed this book and plan on reading more books by Sigmund Brouwer.

[Kristen Thames · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read.

[Amy Mathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://amysmarathonofbooks.ca/devils-...

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Devil’s Pass” the fifth book in the “Seven Series” seventeen-year-old Jim Webb one of WWII hero David McLean’s seven grandsons, plagued with an abusive stepfather has been kicked out of school and his home, and only survived in Toronto by working as a dishwasher and playing his guitar on the streets. At the reading of his grandfather’s will after the funeral he’s given credit cards and instructions to complete a task that David McLean left unfinished.

Travelling to Norman Wells a jumping off point in the Northwest Territories, Webb takes a helicopter to the Canol Trail with two Germans and a native guide hoping that at Mile 112 of their trek he will be able to find the mysterious object he’s been tasked to recover. In his confrontation with a grizzly bear and a psychotic bully along the trail Webb will not only face painful events in his grandfather’s past but will end up confronting his own demons.

Skillfully Sigmund Brouwer blends memories of Webb’s past with the challenge of his current mission in the freezing landscape of the North. Intensity and suspense quickly build as events unfold that not only have him defying a bully but confronting a grizzly and even a northern wolf in his journey. Emotionally-charged the writer juxtaposes the fear and suffering in Webb’s past with the reality of a terrible truth in his grandfather’s. Well-written and gripping, the tension continually escalates as the story flows to a surprising ending as Webb faces his demons knowing that only with change can he shatter a cycle of abuse that started with his stepfather.

Jim Webb a realistic and multi-faceted character, shattered by the death of his father and abused by his stepfather is fearful and easily intimidated, bravely enduring pain to protect his dog and later his mother. He grows tough, iron-willed and antagonistic yet underneath remains a kind and caring teen who buys a meal for a beggar on the street and attempts to dissuade a young woman from holding onto an abusive relationship with a boyfriend. Cleverly Sigmund Brower creates in George the Sahtu Dene a solid, honorable and fearless guide; a father-figure that Webb grows to trust and respect. In contrast Elliot Skinner his stepfather is manipulative, controlling and cruel; a coward who starts a war of wills with an eleven-year-old. All these characters and others infuse the story with power and emotional-intensity.

I thoroughly enjoyed “Devil’s Pass” and look forward to continuing this series.

[Bcs (Sarah. B) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Devil's Pass by Sigmund Brouwer (The name comes from a place)

Rating: Two point Five

Language/Profanity: NA

Faith: NA

Romance/Sex: NA

Violence ect.: A guy beats up the MMC; the same guy hits his girlfriend (mentioned, not seen); the MMC's stepfather is abusive (I skipped those parts: I don't need that stuff in my brain); bear attack.

Other: A guy sets his pants; a guy gets hit in his sensitive part.

Part of a Series: Yes it is part of a series call The Seven. Which is part of an over arching group of three series.

Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Webb's abusive stepfather has made it impossible for him to live at home, so Webb survives on the streets of Toronto by busking with his guitar and working as a dishwasher. When Webb's grandfather dies, his will stipulates that his grandsons fulfill specific requests. Webb's task takes him to the Canol Trail in Canada's Far North, where he finds out that there are much scarier things than the cold and the occasional grizzly bear. With an Indigenous guide, two German tourists and his guitar for company, Webb is forced to confront terrible events in his grandfather's past and somehow deal with the pain and confusion of his own life.

Webb's adventures start in Barracuda, part of The Seven Prequels and continue in Tin Soldier, part of The Seven Sequels.

Bible Verse
Joshua 1:9 KJV
[9] Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Red Maple #5

I have recently finished reading a novel titled Devil's Pass, written by Sigmund Brouwer.

When Jim Webb's grandfather dies, he leaves tasks for each of his seven grandchildren. Webb's task is to hike the Canol Trail in Noman Wells which is just miles away from the Arctic Circle. During the journey, he gets involved in a sticky situation involving a man named Brent and his girlfriend. Along the journey of the hike, Webb encounters a Grizzley Bear which puts both him and Brent in danger. Through that, he gets tied up, and thrown off a cliff ending as he shoots the Grizzley Bear. But the most surprising part is when he finds his grandfather's knife embedded in the ribs of a skeleton covered by rocks.

Throughout the book, I disliked how the author alternated the chapters going back and forth from then and now. I have read two other stand-alones in the series and the way they formatted it seemed to work better with the layout of the plot. However, considering Webb's background, I can understand how the author would have found it beneficial to give the reader more insight to the story.

In this novel, I enjoyed how the author included Webb playing his guitar on the sidewalk. It gave even more insite towards Webb's past. An example can be found on page two. "Playing a guitar in a hotel room drew loud, angry knocks on the wall from the other guests, but playing on the streets drew cash...Nothing bothered him when he had a guitar in his hands...there was no rush like it." I also enjoyed how the author wrote the scene when Webb finds the knife in the ribs of the skeleton. I felt the author really connected with the reader. While I was reading this part of the text, I imagined that Webb's reaction would resemble a child's as they opened their birthday present, not understanding what the present is; thrilled, confused and bubbling with questions.

A few improvements that could have been done were when Webb got arrested because it was a little bit confusing at one point. Webb's tour guide George knew the town well and knew Brent. Webb was simply talking to Brent's girlfriend trying to convince her that Brent doesn't deserve her which is when Brent assaulted him first. The rest was self defense upon Webb's behalf. George decided to lie, saying that Webb was the catalyst. The police officer Sylvain had simply told Webb to call George instead of a lawyer on page 49. Upon a first read-through, it's somewhat confusing. You have to double-back and re-read the text. Personally, when a book does that, I feel that it could use another edit.

The most climatic event of the story was when Brent had snuck up on Webb just as he had found his grandfather's knife, hitting him on the head with the barrel of a rifle. An excerpt would be on pages 188 and 189. "Behind Webb was the edge of the cliff over looking the river. Falling from it probably wouldn't kill him, because there was a lot of bush growing off the sides of it. But no way could Webb jump, fall through the bush, land and hop away with his ankles bound together before Brent either walked to the edge of the cliff and shot him like a fish in a barrel, or made his way leisurely down and recaptured him. Or maybe Brent wouldn't even have to finish him off. The river was swollen and raging from the recent rains. Chances were that Webb's fall would take him into the water...'...Wasn't that hard for me. I was motivated. I really wanted to kill you.'"

There were a few types of conflict in this novel. Most obviously, there is the person versus person conflict pertaining to Brent and Webb. I thought that the way the author displayed it was impressive; it was concise, understandable, and not confusing. The way he wrote it gave the reader a chance to create their own opinion using the given facts. Another type of conflict was person versus nature. When Webb falls of of the cliff, he faces challenges such as the wolf that chews on his leg, waking him up from his unconscious state. He faces more challenges then; Webb had to jump over to a gravel patch accross the shallow river. He then has to collect what scarce wood he can find to start a fire. He hikes up the path back to the edge where he then kills an oncoming Grizzly Bear. Lastly, person versus self. In his past, Webb had faced challenges with his stepfather Elliot. I know that it sound like person versus person (and it is) but it also incorperates person versus self. Webb had left home after he decided that the only way to make his mother happy was to leave because of Elliot. Elliot used to serve in the military; so he treats Webb as if he was a recruit. He makes his shave his head to a buzz cut, smash his father's guitar, and kneel on grains of rice. His mother didn't know. At the end of the book on pages 235-237, Webb makes a courageous decision. "...dishonourable dischange of Elliot McLuhan Skinner from teh Canadian Armed Forces...based on overly harsh discipline with recruits. Anger management issues with inappropriate responses to anyone who challenged his authority...Confirmed assessment as a borderline psychopath...Then he took out his phone and dialed a number that he hadn't dialed in a long, long time...'Mom,' he said. 'I want to come home.'"

The most exciting part for me was at the beginning of the novel when George didn't vouch for Webb's innocence. My initial thought was Why is he on Brent's side? He started it!. Contradictorily, the book is from Webb's point of view. But what happened next, was more surprising. The police officer later explained that Brent is not to trifle with because this wasn't exactly the first time Brent had been to the police station.

Overall, this book didn't amount to what I was expecting. The first two books that I previously read from the series were better written; however, they were by different authors. At the end of the book, it states that Webb would like to return home to live with his mother and stepfather. The author doesn't elaborate or so much as add an Epilogue; it leaves too much of a cliff hanger considering Webb's hazardous relationship with Elliot (his stepfather). I think that this book deserves three out of five stars; I would recommend this book to an average grade five or six.

[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Webb is living on his own after fleeing his step father's strict discipline. Webb has endured much and is stronger for it and changed because of it. No one knows, it's his secret to bear. As his grandfather's last request he has a task to perform and he's bound to do it. One thing leads to another and Webb finds himself involved in more disputes with bullies and on a long trek in the Canadian wilderness. It's and adventure for sure but it holds many surprises. Written bouncing from one time frame to another we learn in bits and pieces what Webb has been challenged to complete and how his journey leads him to finding out more about his grandfather.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read, and overall a good story, but I did have some problems with it. First of all, it's not very cohesive and doesn't flow all that well sometimes. Certain aspects of the story don't really mesh with others. There's not a lot of motivation for some of the things that happen, and the ending is too abrupt. I would have liked more closure. Overall, though, it's definitely an interesting read, and worth the short time it takes to get through it.

[Lori]

Webb sets out on a mysterious mission to the Northwest Territories, sent by his recently deceased grandfather as part of the will. Carrying only a few supplies, and his trusty guitar, he soon realizes that people are as unpredictable and dangerous as the wildlife around him.

[Mary Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written YA novel that takes place in Canada and USA. It is part of Seven - the series by different Canadian YA authors writing about the various tasks that a beloved grandfather leaves to his grandsons to accomplish.

[Kian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an alright book in terms of entertaining the reader, but by far the most valuable thing one will obtain from reading this book are the life lessons, which are implicated throughout the book, by means of the narration.

[Maximilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice book the part where Webb gets a call saying his step-dad is gone it felt like justice. After reading about what his step father has done terrible things to him

[wvreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great contribution to the Seven series with realistic characters and a captivating plot.

[Raymond 8E · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is very funny how brent destroyed his own car in a fight with webb

[Cher Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy quick read .

[Ananya]

Loved the book
would recomend for any age.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, sad, and moving, everything a good book needs.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

When David McLean dies, he leaves mysterious tasks for each of his seven grandsons. Seventeen-year-old Webb’s task sends him into the wilds of the Northwest Territories of Canada, to hike the Canol Trail. Webb has not had an easy life, having suffered an abusive stepfather and spent a year homeless on his own, with his guitar his only refuge. His trip to the Territories is no easier, as immediately upon landing, his chivalrous attempt to save a young woman from an abusive boyfriend ends with Webb in jail, and the abusive boyfriend determined on fatal vengeance. Webb is determined to finish his task, however, no matter what obstacles are placed in his path, from murderous bullies to murderous grizzlies, to the monster of his own rage.

While I still don’t think this is a middle school book due to the violence and mature subject matter, as a book for a slightly older audience (8th-10th grades), I thought it was quite good. I thought the plot was well-structured, and I found it easy to follow the flashbacks that set up the mystery of Webb’s task, though I did think that in the end the solution to the mystery was a little disappointing. But I thought the action was well spaced with the more descriptive passages, and I enjoyed the descriptions of the wilderness and the small towns. I thought all the settings were well done. Webb was a really interesting character; much more so than his cousin DJ, and this story was correspondingly more complex and less didactic. Learning to control the monster within is a more compelling message than stop being so arrogant, and is a poignant message for all kids who have suffered as Webb did.

I did notice one loose end, though, which struck me as odd when the author was otherwise so careful (almost too careful) to make use of everything to which he drew attention; we never hear more about Webb’s lip injury, which the cop made out was pretty serious.

[Esraa G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading 'Devil's Pass'. This book was truly amazing. Very well written, it never left me bored taking twists and ending the chapter at very well designed cliff hangers. The book featured flash backs and a lot of foreshadowing. This kept me interested and very engaged in the book. I had to keep reading, barely pausing just to take my breath. 'Devil's Pass' has a very interesting plot, a very exciting story line that won't disappoint a reader. Being one of the 'Seven Series' it made me crave reading all the other six books that were left. Once I read this book it made me understand how the whole 'Seven Series' relied on every single book. Even though each book is a stand alone, you understand pretty well that each of those books has a strong connection to the other. That is why I am dying to get my hands on the other six. Brouwer did not fail to bring feeling to his writing. When I was reading, it was as if I were beside the main character, Experiencing everything that the main character or really any character was going through.

This book is packed with action, adventure, and mystery. Full of great writing and meaningful morals that both the main character Webb and the readers will learn. In a thrilling hike you shall take along with Webb to unravel one big secret. Along you will learn many great things and witness many decisions both good and bad that change Webb's life as well as morals that you could apply to your life too. Very strong writing and powerful words, this book is both enjoyable and relevant.
That is why I have given 'Devil's Pass' a five star rating. Truly an amazing book.

I would recommend this book to anybody who loves mystery and the feeling of anticipation when they are waiting to unravel a very big secret. Also recommended to those who love action and who have a passion for music and the wild. This book will not dissatisfy you.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

So to begin with I was a little mad when I got this book, as I wanted Ink Me . But I really loved this book. I'm slowly making my way through the Seven series, and I'm really glad that I read this one.

Mostly I love this book for the character of Webb. The plot of the pass isn't bad, I don't mind it at all. I really like how the task is very Webb-specific, and how it fits perfectly with Webb's character.

I loved getting an explanation of more of the will scene, I was definitely looking for that. I also love the way that the backstory all fit together. Although I was a little iffy about the cuts between then and now, I think that if it was more comprehensive it wouldn't have been Webb. I can't see Webb just telling us everything that has happened in his life. Nor can I see him just telling us flat out what happened. Slowly we learned what happened to Webb, in both timelines, and I liked the way that worked out.

The actual plot wasn't as important to me. We weren't as focused on the climbing and all that, or the results of the journey. But the interactions with the people who have talked to Webb throughout the journey were so important. I also felt that a lot of things didn't have to be said. With the connections of the two timelines, a lot of stuff could just be carried, and it was all put together really well.

To be continued...