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Those Devils
I bury myself in the city streets, to camouflage myself from society. It's reaching out to grasp at me, catch and kill me. These “devils” want to end my existence. I will survive, that is all I'm able to do. If they do come for me, I will have no choice but to counteract. I'm not running to keep myself protected. I'm running so that they don't find out what I truly 'em.
Take a look into the short story about the survival of one man against a group of hunters in this one long, scary, city night. By the end, the twist and turns will leave you wanting more!
*Revised 7/2014*
Make sure to grab the book that links with this one titled "0-9"!
"If you already love any form of horror or if you’re just testing the waters, so to speak, download Those Devils from Amazon today and have at it!" - kellysmithreviews.wordpress.com
"I love it in the context of the hidden messages it revealed to me. And I think that's how all stories are supposed to be." -
Take a look into the short story about the survival of one man against a group of hunters in this one long, scary, city night. By the end, the twist and turns will leave you wanting more!
*Revised 7/2014*
Make sure to grab the book that links with this one titled "0-9"!
"If you already love any form of horror or if you’re just testing the waters, so to speak, download Those Devils from Amazon today and have at it!" - kellysmithreviews.wordpress.com
"I love it in the context of the hidden messages it revealed to me. And I think that's how all stories are supposed to be." -
- GenresShort Stories
35 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2013
7 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
James DeSantis
17 books1,203 followersJust a regular nerd, reading comics and enjoying life the best I can. I've made my own comics, as well as short stories and books. These days I still occasionally try to create some of those.
My main focus here is writing reviews to spread love throughout the comic and manga worlds. I also make YouTube videos with deep dives on comic characters, so come check me out there as well.
Add me if you want to talk anytime! I love nerding out. Now go enjoy reading some good comics!
My main focus here is writing reviews to spread love throughout the comic and manga worlds. I also make YouTube videos with deep dives on comic characters, so come check me out there as well.
Add me if you want to talk anytime! I love nerding out. Now go enjoy reading some good comics!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 20, 2013
"If you wanted to survive, you followed the survivor." -James DeSantis
This story reminded me of The Fifth Wave, by Rick Yancey. A desperate character running for his life. But instead of "Silencers", DeSantis referred to the counterpart creatures as "Devils". And I am still contemplating whether he meant it literally. There was a brief moment when I believed that both Angels and Devils existed, even Gods, in the story. And then I get to the point where I start to wonder whether all the facts laid down were meant to be symbolic. Maybe, I thought, that the Devils might mean our own selfish desires, or unpleasant obsessions. And that maybe the main character's mysterious backstory is as unknown to us as our own backstories. And in the end, we all get to ask, "Who am I?"
We do not get the name of the main character, and I think I understand why. (At least on my own point of view) His character is so mysterious, that not knowing his name is a mystery in itself. Because we don't know his roots. We don't know his back story. We do not know if he's human, a Devil, an Angel, or a God. Therefore, we don't know his name.
Maybe because it's a short story, not a novel. I don't know if it's the author's intention, to deny us of any more information. But I think it worked! I like it better that way. It left me something to ponder on. Something to think about. You do not get absorbed by the story while you read it, only when you finish it. Not I want to know more. I wonder if there's going to be more? The entire 30 pages felt like a teaser of something bigger. And I wish there's more to it than this.
I don't know if DeSantis meant for his story to be deep. But maybe because I just interpreted it that way. I love it in the context of the hidden messages it revealed to me. And I think that's how all stories are supposed to be.
1.) A person can never know the absolute truth of all things. The more you strive to know, the more you'll never know.
2.) People, like you and me, make up our own realities.
3.) A leader is what his followers make of him.
Overall, I love this short story, and the more I try to put it in the microscope, the more I appreciate it. If you're a deep thinker like me, maybe you'll agree to everything I said. If not, then there's still that mystery science-fiction, good vs. evil story you might enjoy!
Cheers,
Lilah Gran
This story reminded me of The Fifth Wave, by Rick Yancey. A desperate character running for his life. But instead of "Silencers", DeSantis referred to the counterpart creatures as "Devils". And I am still contemplating whether he meant it literally. There was a brief moment when I believed that both Angels and Devils existed, even Gods, in the story. And then I get to the point where I start to wonder whether all the facts laid down were meant to be symbolic. Maybe, I thought, that the Devils might mean our own selfish desires, or unpleasant obsessions. And that maybe the main character's mysterious backstory is as unknown to us as our own backstories. And in the end, we all get to ask, "Who am I?"
We do not get the name of the main character, and I think I understand why. (At least on my own point of view) His character is so mysterious, that not knowing his name is a mystery in itself. Because we don't know his roots. We don't know his back story. We do not know if he's human, a Devil, an Angel, or a God. Therefore, we don't know his name.
Maybe because it's a short story, not a novel. I don't know if it's the author's intention, to deny us of any more information. But I think it worked! I like it better that way. It left me something to ponder on. Something to think about. You do not get absorbed by the story while you read it, only when you finish it. Not I want to know more. I wonder if there's going to be more? The entire 30 pages felt like a teaser of something bigger. And I wish there's more to it than this.
I don't know if DeSantis meant for his story to be deep. But maybe because I just interpreted it that way. I love it in the context of the hidden messages it revealed to me. And I think that's how all stories are supposed to be.
1.) A person can never know the absolute truth of all things. The more you strive to know, the more you'll never know.
2.) People, like you and me, make up our own realities.
3.) A leader is what his followers make of him.
Overall, I love this short story, and the more I try to put it in the microscope, the more I appreciate it. If you're a deep thinker like me, maybe you'll agree to everything I said. If not, then there's still that mystery science-fiction, good vs. evil story you might enjoy!
Cheers,
Lilah Gran
May 29, 2014
After reading Killing Your Boss, I was expecting more of the same from DeSantis in Those Devils. The cover was similar, murky and mysterious, the title enticing and his previous book still fresh in my mind. Surely, this would be the same, right?
Wrong.
True, the novella is another excellent urban horror. Set in an everyday neighbourhood, where the Devils/Angels - depending on your POV - of the title rule the landscape, picking on the humans and torturing them for shits and giggles, our hero has a bone to pick with the Devils since they raped and murdered the love of his life. Thus, he's hunted by them, seen as a threat. He is hunting them too, in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
It's this dynamic that makes Those Devils so intriguing. Who's good and who's bad? Who's right and who's wrong? Ambiguity is obvious and ever-present throughout and even though you can work out who is who quite early on, the doubt lingers. It makes you think, choose and then doubt your decision. When a novella, at a mere 50 pages, can do this, you know you're reading something different.
4* - A few grammar issues aside, this novella was very entertaining. I've read two DeSantis shorts now and so far, I'm very impressed. Those Devils isn't the simplest novella to read, what with its religious undertones and the dark fantasy aspect, but nonetheless it deserves to be read. If you like horror, this is worth a shot.
Wrong.
True, the novella is another excellent urban horror. Set in an everyday neighbourhood, where the Devils/Angels - depending on your POV - of the title rule the landscape, picking on the humans and torturing them for shits and giggles, our hero has a bone to pick with the Devils since they raped and murdered the love of his life. Thus, he's hunted by them, seen as a threat. He is hunting them too, in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
It's this dynamic that makes Those Devils so intriguing. Who's good and who's bad? Who's right and who's wrong? Ambiguity is obvious and ever-present throughout and even though you can work out who is who quite early on, the doubt lingers. It makes you think, choose and then doubt your decision. When a novella, at a mere 50 pages, can do this, you know you're reading something different.
4* - A few grammar issues aside, this novella was very entertaining. I've read two DeSantis shorts now and so far, I'm very impressed. Those Devils isn't the simplest novella to read, what with its religious undertones and the dark fantasy aspect, but nonetheless it deserves to be read. If you like horror, this is worth a shot.
December 10, 2013
In between the first and second books in James DeSantis' Exterminators series, he has decided to give us all a taste of what else is rattling around that creative mind of his, and that is the short story Those Devils. In this narrative we meet a man who claims to be fighting "devils" who have been hunting him for years. It switches off between his point of view and third person to go amongst the group of "devils" hunting him. I can't say much because I don't care to spoil the story for you, reader, but this story transcends genres to go from horror, to theological and even slightly to sociological. Mr. DeSantis writes (in just 32 pages!) about God, gods, demons, angels, racial profiling and mental illness (not to mention murder) and takes the reader on a quick, enjoyable roller coaster ride. If you already love any form of horror or if you're just testing the waters, so to speak, download Those Devils from Amazon todayand have at it! Also, be sure to be on the lookout for the next book in the Exterminators series, due out January 14th, which I wool be reviewing! 5/5--great!
October 18, 2014
Mysterious and thrilling, "Those Devils" keeps you somewhat confused throughout the length of the short story. Who are these devils? Are they human, or something else? And our main character, whose name we never learn, it's a mystery himself. None of these questions are answered until the climax, and even then it is open to interpretation.
Admittedly I wasn't very intrigued by this story until the end. The plot twist hooks me instantly, and it is so well done, especially for a short story.
I think there are also some deeper meaning in this story, especially when you look at the "devils." Are they, in fact, quite literally devils? Or is it just a description for the human race and what we as a society has become.
Overall, this was an excellent short story. I think there are a few grammar related issues, mostly consistency based, that could be tweaked here and there, but they are very minor and do not take away from the story. It definitely left me wanting more.
Admittedly I wasn't very intrigued by this story until the end. The plot twist hooks me instantly, and it is so well done, especially for a short story.
I think there are also some deeper meaning in this story, especially when you look at the "devils." Are they, in fact, quite literally devils? Or is it just a description for the human race and what we as a society has become.
Overall, this was an excellent short story. I think there are a few grammar related issues, mostly consistency based, that could be tweaked here and there, but they are very minor and do not take away from the story. It definitely left me wanting more.
August 12, 2014
I received this short story for free in exchange for an honest review. The first story I read from this author was "Sons". I had found it to be very original and intriguing and was interested in finding out what else he would come up with. "Those Devils" does not disappoint. The horror genre has been around for a long time and it can be hard to find something different and out of the ordinary. I was drawn in from the beginning and didn't put it down until I was finished. I am really enjoying the writing style. I can't wait to read the sequel!
March 14, 2014
This was just so different that I couldn't help but be engrossed and love the tale. The writer pulls you in and guides you though each bend and curve of this twisted tale till you are left with the jaw dropping end. Well done indeed.
I will be looking for more by this author as his style and his method of story telling just hooked me for life.
I will be looking for more by this author as his style and his method of story telling just hooked me for life.
January 5, 2015
32 Pages, quick read. It jumps from the narrator's perspective, to the devils, which what makes it more interesting. I assume there's more to come, but this is by far one of my favorites from James. I even spoke about it on my twitter radio show.
July 18, 2016
Those Devils, The Experiments Book 1 by James DeSantis is a suspenseful short story. I gave it three stars. The unnamed protagonist is being hunted by what he calls 'those devils'. Yet, he has killed some of them himself. I found the twists & turns confusing.
I received a complimentary copy from Amazon. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Those-Devils-E...
I received a complimentary copy from Amazon. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Those-Devils-E...
January 2, 2021
Sends a thrilling chill down your spine as you follow this crazed guys' thoughts and actions. Blood is spilled, the chase is on, and just when you think you know what will happen... you are in for a surprise. I absolutely loved it! Easy to read and so much fun. Can't wait for more!
January 11, 2015
As the story starts you are brought into this cool world James has made and without spoiling anything its a really run short ride
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews