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The Devil Came Down the Mountain
For almost a hundred years, locals have proclaimed a portion of the Uinta Mountains in Utah to be cursed. They call the area the Murmuring Caves, the site of the historic Yangguang Massacre, where distortions and reverberations beneath the earth's surface create something very akin to human voices.
And if you listen long enough...you might just hear the dead...
Josh Bridges, an experienced dark tourist, has finally convinced his three best friends to accompany him in search of the Murmuring Caves. But they only agreed because of the tragedy Josh just lived through, which seems to have broken him. They'd do anything for their friend...
Even descend into darkness...
But when they call out for help, what answers them might not be safe...
It might not even be alive.
Will Josh and his friends—Trey, Mandy, and Amber—make it down the mountain?
And if you listen long enough...you might just hear the dead...
Josh Bridges, an experienced dark tourist, has finally convinced his three best friends to accompany him in search of the Murmuring Caves. But they only agreed because of the tragedy Josh just lived through, which seems to have broken him. They'd do anything for their friend...
Even descend into darkness...
But when they call out for help, what answers them might not be safe...
It might not even be alive.
Will Josh and his friends—Trey, Mandy, and Amber—make it down the mountain?
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2024
49 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
July 13, 2024
4.5 ⭐ rounded down for Goodreads.
Deep in the Uinta mountains in Utah, something malevolent resides. Something that whispers to you and draws you into the darkness of the mountain. The biggest mistake you could ever make is to listen to these whispers or worse venture into this place of darkness and pure evil.
Trey, Mandy, Amber and Josh are off on a weekend adventure in said mountains. Josh is what is referred to as a "dark tourist", in the book. Which simply means he likes to vacation where something macabre has taken place. Many years ago a group of people disappeared in these mountains never to be seen or heard from again. This has intrigued Josh but, this time he brings his three long time best friends with him.
Despite the concerns his friends voice about vacationing somewhere where something so sinister has occurred. Josh insists they're safe. When the group however reach their destination, they suddenly are consumed by an overwhelming sense of dread. What then unfolds is pure nightmare fuel as the friends find themselves separated and manipulated by the evil forces that lie within and around this hellish place.
I really liked this book and was able to easily devour it in a few short hours. The characters were interesting and I liked the brief backstories we got on them. The book is fast paced and immediately you feel the pull and know that something isn't quite right. It was claustrophobic and anxiety inducing, especially when the group finds themselves in these tunnels. I felt unnerved and uneasy as they became more and more lost and disoriented. When you throw a malevolent force into that mix, you have a thing of nightmares.
I liked the plot twists that happened at the end as well; I was not those at all expecting and it was a very welcome surprise. This story was crafted well and executed superbly. It was creepy and filled with spine-tingling suspense. I enjoyed every minute of it and will be keeping this author on my radar for future reads.
Deep in the Uinta mountains in Utah, something malevolent resides. Something that whispers to you and draws you into the darkness of the mountain. The biggest mistake you could ever make is to listen to these whispers or worse venture into this place of darkness and pure evil.
Trey, Mandy, Amber and Josh are off on a weekend adventure in said mountains. Josh is what is referred to as a "dark tourist", in the book. Which simply means he likes to vacation where something macabre has taken place. Many years ago a group of people disappeared in these mountains never to be seen or heard from again. This has intrigued Josh but, this time he brings his three long time best friends with him.
Despite the concerns his friends voice about vacationing somewhere where something so sinister has occurred. Josh insists they're safe. When the group however reach their destination, they suddenly are consumed by an overwhelming sense of dread. What then unfolds is pure nightmare fuel as the friends find themselves separated and manipulated by the evil forces that lie within and around this hellish place.
I really liked this book and was able to easily devour it in a few short hours. The characters were interesting and I liked the brief backstories we got on them. The book is fast paced and immediately you feel the pull and know that something isn't quite right. It was claustrophobic and anxiety inducing, especially when the group finds themselves in these tunnels. I felt unnerved and uneasy as they became more and more lost and disoriented. When you throw a malevolent force into that mix, you have a thing of nightmares.
I liked the plot twists that happened at the end as well; I was not those at all expecting and it was a very welcome surprise. This story was crafted well and executed superbly. It was creepy and filled with spine-tingling suspense. I enjoyed every minute of it and will be keeping this author on my radar for future reads.
March 1, 2024
"The more time that passes, the more people want to forget things that have happened in our history. Especially the bad things. But the places don’t forget. Never the places.”
What is dark tourism??
Dark tourism (also thanatourism, black tourism, morbid tourism, or grief tourism) has been defined as tourism involving travel to places historically associated with death and tragedy.
Whatever you do. DONT listen to the whispering. This story will play on some of your biggest fears. Ghosts, dark places, possessions, etc. I LOVED everything about this story except for the ending. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. Just wasn't where I thought it was headed. It sort of gave me Hollow Place vibes (to be fair, I did enjoy that book as well).
Overall, I would recommend this book and author to others and will be on the lookout to see what he brings us next.
What is dark tourism??
Dark tourism (also thanatourism, black tourism, morbid tourism, or grief tourism) has been defined as tourism involving travel to places historically associated with death and tragedy.
Whatever you do. DONT listen to the whispering. This story will play on some of your biggest fears. Ghosts, dark places, possessions, etc. I LOVED everything about this story except for the ending. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. Just wasn't where I thought it was headed. It sort of gave me Hollow Place vibes (to be fair, I did enjoy that book as well).
Overall, I would recommend this book and author to others and will be on the lookout to see what he brings us next.
July 18, 2025
Claustrophobic and creepy. I liked it. Shitty ending tho.
January 31, 2024
This book was a great, fast paced read! It really had me hooked right off the bat. I loved the different points of view because I was able to get a glimpse into what each character was thinking and feeling. The author gave just enough of a background on each of the characters to be able to easily relate to them. I loved the creepy / scary vibe this book gave off too. It really had me engulfed in the story, not able to stop reading. Great book! Great story! Great ending! I will definitely be reading more from this author!
#christopherbond #thedevilcamedownthemountain #horrorsmithpublishing #horrorsmithediting
#christopherbond #thedevilcamedownthemountain #horrorsmithpublishing #horrorsmithediting
September 4, 2024
A group of friends reunite to travel to the Uinta Mountains, also known as the Murmuring Caves, in Utah. Josh, a devoted dark tourist, is drawn to these caves due to it being the site of the Yangguang Massacre from the 1800s. As Josh, Trey, Mandy, and Amber explore the area, there is a sense of dread as something sinister threatens to ruin their trip.
I really liked this one! I am NOT one to find entertainment in exploring caves. That’s just not my gig. Throw in sinister whispers and a dark history, and I for sure would be a nope. There were some truly chilling elements to this story that would be great for fans of The Descent and As Above So Below. There’s a strong claustrophobic feeling from reading this that really amped up the horror.
From beginning to end, this book played out like a movie in my head. You have a group of friends reuniting and going for a fun camping trip. They have a run in with an unsavory Park Ranger character warning them away from the caves which they ultimately ignore. Then the sinister events unfurl. I thought the characters had enough development for me to understand their relationships and feel for them. The part of the story involving the caves and tunnels was anxiety inducing and had me reaching to turn on my lights and open a window 😂 And I thought the twist was well done. The only issue for me was that the ending didn’t stick the landing. It was good, but I personally would’ve loved if it had gone a different direction.
Overall, if you want to stress out and anxiety read about the consequences of claustrophobic cave exploration, then this is your next read. This is out now and definitely worth checking out!
Thank you @horrorsmithpublishing for the opportunity to read this!
I really liked this one! I am NOT one to find entertainment in exploring caves. That’s just not my gig. Throw in sinister whispers and a dark history, and I for sure would be a nope. There were some truly chilling elements to this story that would be great for fans of The Descent and As Above So Below. There’s a strong claustrophobic feeling from reading this that really amped up the horror.
From beginning to end, this book played out like a movie in my head. You have a group of friends reuniting and going for a fun camping trip. They have a run in with an unsavory Park Ranger character warning them away from the caves which they ultimately ignore. Then the sinister events unfurl. I thought the characters had enough development for me to understand their relationships and feel for them. The part of the story involving the caves and tunnels was anxiety inducing and had me reaching to turn on my lights and open a window 😂 And I thought the twist was well done. The only issue for me was that the ending didn’t stick the landing. It was good, but I personally would’ve loved if it had gone a different direction.
Overall, if you want to stress out and anxiety read about the consequences of claustrophobic cave exploration, then this is your next read. This is out now and definitely worth checking out!
Thank you @horrorsmithpublishing for the opportunity to read this!
September 16, 2024
THIS WAS SUCH A WILD RIDE. I was glued to the pages, on the edge of my seat, dying to see how this panned out. 🫨
Bond wrote this so well he made me afraid of a clearing in the woods…The descriptions of the caves and how they were trying to maneuver through WITH ONE TINY LITTLE FLASHLIGHT made my skin crawl. THEN, when they realized they WEREN’T ALONE?!?! My heart was racing so fast I had to take a break. You’re probably thinking…”that was in the synopsis” and all I gotta say is IFYKYK 👀💀
This read like a horror movie and my jaw was absolutely dropped by the end. 😦
I would suggest this to anyone looking for a fast paced, short horror read.
Thank you to horrorsmith publishing and Christopher bond for the copy to read and review. This absolutely rocked 🖤🤘🏻
Bond wrote this so well he made me afraid of a clearing in the woods…The descriptions of the caves and how they were trying to maneuver through WITH ONE TINY LITTLE FLASHLIGHT made my skin crawl. THEN, when they realized they WEREN’T ALONE?!?! My heart was racing so fast I had to take a break. You’re probably thinking…”that was in the synopsis” and all I gotta say is IFYKYK 👀💀
This read like a horror movie and my jaw was absolutely dropped by the end. 😦
I would suggest this to anyone looking for a fast paced, short horror read.
Thank you to horrorsmith publishing and Christopher bond for the copy to read and review. This absolutely rocked 🖤🤘🏻
June 5, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Horrorsmith Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
“He could feel the tunnels looking at him from the darkness.”
If you’re claustrophobic, approach with caution!
I was hooked from the first page of the prologue. Bond’s writing is fast-paced and lyrical, and the grim atmosphere you get in the beginning pervades through the entire book, even in the flashbacks and backstories. I was eager to follow the characters down into the mountain, but I was not prepared for what they found there. This was an easy 5/5 stars for me.
“He could feel the tunnels looking at him from the darkness.”
If you’re claustrophobic, approach with caution!
I was hooked from the first page of the prologue. Bond’s writing is fast-paced and lyrical, and the grim atmosphere you get in the beginning pervades through the entire book, even in the flashbacks and backstories. I was eager to follow the characters down into the mountain, but I was not prepared for what they found there. This was an easy 5/5 stars for me.
May 29, 2024
There is something uniquely terrifying when things go wrong underground. THE DEVIL CAME DOWN THE MOUNTAIN captured that oppressive, claustrophobic unease so well. There were times when I was cringing away from the screen because I was so on edge, but at the same time, I couldn't stop reading. I had to know what they'd find if they only went a little deeper...
I received this book for free from the publisher.
I received this book for free from the publisher.
June 21, 2024
This was a roadtrip horror story like none I’ve ever read before! A group of friends all get together after a horrific tragedy results in the loss of our MMC’s parents. In support of their friend they all agree to go on a macabre trip to the site of a long ago historical tragedy, where Chinese immigrants working on the railroad were never seen from again after being quarantined from an extremely contagious illness. Rumors of the whispery caves were too much to resist, but will all who go in also come out?!
I absolutely loved the vibes in this book! Part evil ancient religious cult, atmospheric feeling like from the movie The Descent, and a series of twists I never saw coming. Possessed by the need to find out what happened I flew through this one, and highly recommend for all who are looking for a creepy summer adventure!
I absolutely loved the vibes in this book! Part evil ancient religious cult, atmospheric feeling like from the movie The Descent, and a series of twists I never saw coming. Possessed by the need to find out what happened I flew through this one, and highly recommend for all who are looking for a creepy summer adventure!
August 19, 2024
I love a good scary claustrophobic cave story and this did not disappoint at all.
February 5, 2024
Wow!! This book has me hooked right from the beginning! Awesome writing and great character development! I read this while on vacation staying in an AirBnB and it definitely contributed to the scare factor lol. Definitely read this with the lights on!
May 28, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up.
What’s a better way to cope with the grief of losing your parents than to take a few old friends to the site of a long forgotten historical tragedy?
Maybe it’s because I just watched this movie recently, but The Devil Came Down The Mountain strongly reminds me of The Descent (2005). A caving expedition gone wrong, a building lack of trust amongst the characters and an ancient evil makes for a very claustrophobic read. This book had me hooked from the prologue and I really enjoyed every moment of it.
What’s a better way to cope with the grief of losing your parents than to take a few old friends to the site of a long forgotten historical tragedy?
Maybe it’s because I just watched this movie recently, but The Devil Came Down The Mountain strongly reminds me of The Descent (2005). A caving expedition gone wrong, a building lack of trust amongst the characters and an ancient evil makes for a very claustrophobic read. This book had me hooked from the prologue and I really enjoyed every moment of it.
January 29, 2024
After both of his parents die in a house fire, Josh needs a distraction. As a lover of dark tourism, he decides to fly to Utah to visit a remote area known as the Murmuring Caves. It was the scene of the Yangguang Massacre in the late 1800s – wherein a large group of Asian railroad workers became sick and were quarantined together before dying. Or being murdered. Josh’s childhood friends Amber, Mandy and Trey agree to accompany him to help keep his mind off his loss. But things start out rough – a large forest ranger informs the group that camping is not allowed and that their car would be towed if they stayed after dark. But Josh doesn’t seem to care. Something is pulling him toward the caves and illegal or not, he is going.
As someone who has a fascination with weird places, I was intrigued by Josh’s dark tourism hobby. He specifically states that he spent a weekend at the Lizzie Bordon house with I absolutely would love to do. But wandering down into caves where people have been repeatedly lost is a bit much for me. Hasn’t he watched The Descent?!
Yea, no thanks.
Fast paced, it took no time at all for me to slip into the story. The descriptive writing placed me inside the car with the childhood friends, waiting for our impending doom. It felt like I was watching a movie unfold. The twists, particularly the final one, were completely unexpected. And it seriously rubbed up against my fear of tight spaces. Yikes. Overall, it was a very well written and fun jaunt into the woods.
As someone who has a fascination with weird places, I was intrigued by Josh’s dark tourism hobby. He specifically states that he spent a weekend at the Lizzie Bordon house with I absolutely would love to do. But wandering down into caves where people have been repeatedly lost is a bit much for me. Hasn’t he watched The Descent?!
Yea, no thanks.
Fast paced, it took no time at all for me to slip into the story. The descriptive writing placed me inside the car with the childhood friends, waiting for our impending doom. It felt like I was watching a movie unfold. The twists, particularly the final one, were completely unexpected. And it seriously rubbed up against my fear of tight spaces. Yikes. Overall, it was a very well written and fun jaunt into the woods.
January 30, 2024
No one knows exactly how the Chinese immigrants who worked on the Transcontinental Railroad disappeared in 1869. Some mysteries are better left unsolved.
I was very intrigued by the idea of dark tourism gone wrong. My grandparents used to take me and my brother to significant historical sites, the majority of them with haunting pasts. It wasn’t boring; I learned to respect those who had died and appreciate how those events shaped the US. The character, Josh, has that same attitude until obsession drives him to find the Murmering Caves.
I must be subconsciously trying to confront my claustrophobia (this is the second book I read this year that involves enclosed spaces). This novella definitely made me completely uneasy!
With his clear descriptions, I could imagine being trapped in the cave with some unknown horror. It was extremely tense throughout, especially when events started spiraling out of control. That ending was a shocker! This book is for anyone who enjoys an excellent supernatural horror set in nature. I truly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of his work.
I was very intrigued by the idea of dark tourism gone wrong. My grandparents used to take me and my brother to significant historical sites, the majority of them with haunting pasts. It wasn’t boring; I learned to respect those who had died and appreciate how those events shaped the US. The character, Josh, has that same attitude until obsession drives him to find the Murmering Caves.
I must be subconsciously trying to confront my claustrophobia (this is the second book I read this year that involves enclosed spaces). This novella definitely made me completely uneasy!
With his clear descriptions, I could imagine being trapped in the cave with some unknown horror. It was extremely tense throughout, especially when events started spiraling out of control. That ending was a shocker! This book is for anyone who enjoys an excellent supernatural horror set in nature. I truly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of his work.
January 30, 2024
I devoured this novella in a few hours. There is a nostalgic feel here that took me back to the late 80s. A group of friends, with their secrets, head off into the mountains for weed and debauchery. Throw in a crazy ranger Rick and a dose of dark tourism and you have an idea of what you are in for, familiar tropes that make you feel warm inside. However, there is so much more below the surface.
“The Devil Came Down the Mountain” has some solid twists and a mind-blowing climax that makes the journey worthwhile. This novella is a solid 4 out of 5 stars. If you want a quick read that takes you to a place you never see coming, I recommend this title.
“The Devil Came Down the Mountain” has some solid twists and a mind-blowing climax that makes the journey worthwhile. This novella is a solid 4 out of 5 stars. If you want a quick read that takes you to a place you never see coming, I recommend this title.
June 25, 2024
Christopher Bond's "The Devil Came Down The Mountain" is an absolute trip from start to finish. This chilling tale is set in the foreboding Uinta Mountains in Utah, specifically the Murmuring Caves—a site steeped in local lore and fear. The caves, known for their eerie reverberations that mimic human voices, provide a perfect backdrop for this spine-tingling story.
The plot follows Josh Bridges, a seasoned dark tourist, who persuades his three best friends to explore the haunted Murmuring Caves with him. Their journey is not just an adventure into the supernatural but also a mission to support Josh through his recent, devastating tragedy. What they encounter in the depths of the caves, however, is beyond anything they could have prepared for. The whispers of the dead and the lurking danger create an atmosphere of dread that grips the reader tightly.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the character development. Bond expertly crafts his characters, making them relatable and their emotions palpable. Josh's grief and desperation add a layer of depth to the story, making his quest feel personal and urgent. His friends, driven by loyalty and concern, each bring their unique perspectives and personalities to the narrative, enhancing the group dynamics.
The creepiness of the Murmuring Caves and the mountain itself is masterfully depicted. Bond's descriptions are vivid and haunting, pulling the reader into the claustrophobic and sinister environment. The suspense builds steadily, and the twists and turns are genuinely unpredictable, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you have a handle on the story, it veers off in a new, thrilling direction.
However, while the story is gripping, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven, and some plot elements could benefit from deeper exploration. Despite this, the overall experience is immensely satisfying.
"The Devil Came Down The Mountain" is a solid 4-star read. It combines excellent character development with a deeply creepy and atmospheric setting. For fans of horror and psychological thrillers, this book is a must-read. Prepare to be taken on a dark and unexpected journey that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the last page.
The plot follows Josh Bridges, a seasoned dark tourist, who persuades his three best friends to explore the haunted Murmuring Caves with him. Their journey is not just an adventure into the supernatural but also a mission to support Josh through his recent, devastating tragedy. What they encounter in the depths of the caves, however, is beyond anything they could have prepared for. The whispers of the dead and the lurking danger create an atmosphere of dread that grips the reader tightly.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the character development. Bond expertly crafts his characters, making them relatable and their emotions palpable. Josh's grief and desperation add a layer of depth to the story, making his quest feel personal and urgent. His friends, driven by loyalty and concern, each bring their unique perspectives and personalities to the narrative, enhancing the group dynamics.
The creepiness of the Murmuring Caves and the mountain itself is masterfully depicted. Bond's descriptions are vivid and haunting, pulling the reader into the claustrophobic and sinister environment. The suspense builds steadily, and the twists and turns are genuinely unpredictable, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you have a handle on the story, it veers off in a new, thrilling direction.
However, while the story is gripping, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven, and some plot elements could benefit from deeper exploration. Despite this, the overall experience is immensely satisfying.
"The Devil Came Down The Mountain" is a solid 4-star read. It combines excellent character development with a deeply creepy and atmospheric setting. For fans of horror and psychological thrillers, this book is a must-read. Prepare to be taken on a dark and unexpected journey that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the last page.
January 30, 2024
Let me start by saying if you are claustrophobic in any significant way, this book will definitely have you feeling closed in and trapped. But if you love horror and atmospheric reads, that's a good thing, right?
A personal tragedy prompts Josh to returned to his hometown ten years after graduating high school. He is reunited with his three best friends and convinces them to join him on a trip to Utah to visit the Murmuring Caves, the site of the infamous Yangguang Massacre. John loves to participate in "dark tourism," visiting locations where mass deaths and other tragedies have occurred. His friends are hesitant, each for their own reasons, but they want to be supportive, so they agree to go. What starts out as a cautious but fun trip turns into a fight for survival and leaves them questioning their own sanity.
This novel was so much fun and I'm glad I picked it up. Bond does a wonderful job at creating a foreboding atmosphere and weaves in an historical/urban legend aspect that totally captivates the reader. I also really enjoyed the friendship bond and find myself automatically drawn to the book featuring reuniting friendship groups. This book had several twists and turns and at least one of the reveals completely blindsided me. In addition, the ending is one that simply must be experienced for someone to fully feel the impact of what the author has created.
I think this book benefited from being on the shorter side because it manages to keep the reader's interest without becoming repetitive or slow. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author and I highly recommend The Devil Came Down the Mountain to any horror lover.
A personal tragedy prompts Josh to returned to his hometown ten years after graduating high school. He is reunited with his three best friends and convinces them to join him on a trip to Utah to visit the Murmuring Caves, the site of the infamous Yangguang Massacre. John loves to participate in "dark tourism," visiting locations where mass deaths and other tragedies have occurred. His friends are hesitant, each for their own reasons, but they want to be supportive, so they agree to go. What starts out as a cautious but fun trip turns into a fight for survival and leaves them questioning their own sanity.
This novel was so much fun and I'm glad I picked it up. Bond does a wonderful job at creating a foreboding atmosphere and weaves in an historical/urban legend aspect that totally captivates the reader. I also really enjoyed the friendship bond and find myself automatically drawn to the book featuring reuniting friendship groups. This book had several twists and turns and at least one of the reveals completely blindsided me. In addition, the ending is one that simply must be experienced for someone to fully feel the impact of what the author has created.
I think this book benefited from being on the shorter side because it manages to keep the reader's interest without becoming repetitive or slow. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author and I highly recommend The Devil Came Down the Mountain to any horror lover.
March 29, 2024
Review: The Devil Came Down the Mountain by Christopher Bond
I finished The Devil Came Down the Mountain and wow this one goes all out! The last several chapters were so riveting, and I didn't expect it to go the places it did. Loved the surprises and the scares in this book.
Author Christopher Bond presents us with four friends from high school reunited years later for a trip into a desolate area of Utah where they plan to hike and explore the scene of a tragedy 150 years earlier. They're warned off from the start by a ranger, but this is horror so of course they ignore those warnings! I don't want to spoil anything but this story really opens up as it gets more claustrophobic for the characters and their exploration into the heart of the mountain...
This book reads fast, especially in the first half with quite short chapters. I enjoy that because it pushes me to read 'just one more' and then I get totally sucked in. As things get intense, I noticed the chapters getting longer for good reason, as the terrors escalate and crazy stuff happens. I was trying to think of some criticism here, but I really can't think of anything about this that didn't work for me that I'd be able to discuss without spoilers, and they're super minor.
I'm very much looking forward to whatever comes next from Christopher Bond. I think I'd shelve this one right in with Debra Castaneda's The Root Witch, John Durgin's The Cursed Among Us, and Stephen King's The Outsider.
4.5 stems growing out of eyeballs out of 5 (read the story to get the reference)
I finished The Devil Came Down the Mountain and wow this one goes all out! The last several chapters were so riveting, and I didn't expect it to go the places it did. Loved the surprises and the scares in this book.
Author Christopher Bond presents us with four friends from high school reunited years later for a trip into a desolate area of Utah where they plan to hike and explore the scene of a tragedy 150 years earlier. They're warned off from the start by a ranger, but this is horror so of course they ignore those warnings! I don't want to spoil anything but this story really opens up as it gets more claustrophobic for the characters and their exploration into the heart of the mountain...
This book reads fast, especially in the first half with quite short chapters. I enjoy that because it pushes me to read 'just one more' and then I get totally sucked in. As things get intense, I noticed the chapters getting longer for good reason, as the terrors escalate and crazy stuff happens. I was trying to think of some criticism here, but I really can't think of anything about this that didn't work for me that I'd be able to discuss without spoilers, and they're super minor.
I'm very much looking forward to whatever comes next from Christopher Bond. I think I'd shelve this one right in with Debra Castaneda's The Root Witch, John Durgin's The Cursed Among Us, and Stephen King's The Outsider.
4.5 stems growing out of eyeballs out of 5 (read the story to get the reference)
March 16, 2024
A group of friends embarked on a captivating adventure in Utah, drawn by the allure of a mysterious mountain steeped in chilling history. Fascinated by eerie atmospheres, one member of the group was particularly eager to explore this mountain. Their excursion took an unexpected turn as eerie events unfolded around them, trapping them in the mountain's clutches and leading to unsettling occurrences and tragic consequences. Amidst this harrowing journey, a gripping twist involving the Tree of Life added an intriguing layer of depth.
Reflecting on the experience, I would rate it a solid 4 stars. While it wasn't flawless, I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the gripping conclusion and the innovative take on the Tree of Life concept. The pacing, though occasionally slow, didn't diminish my overall engagement with the story; I remained captivated throughout. Moreover, the book is a quick and accessible read, with the intensity ramping up significantly towards the end, delivering a satisfyingly wild ride.
For aficionados of horror and those intrigued by unearthly creatures, "The Devil Came Down the Mountain" by Christopher Bond is a must-read. Its blend of suspenseful storytelling and supernatural elements creates an immersive experience that will leave readers enthralled till the very end.
Reflecting on the experience, I would rate it a solid 4 stars. While it wasn't flawless, I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the gripping conclusion and the innovative take on the Tree of Life concept. The pacing, though occasionally slow, didn't diminish my overall engagement with the story; I remained captivated throughout. Moreover, the book is a quick and accessible read, with the intensity ramping up significantly towards the end, delivering a satisfyingly wild ride.
For aficionados of horror and those intrigued by unearthly creatures, "The Devil Came Down the Mountain" by Christopher Bond is a must-read. Its blend of suspenseful storytelling and supernatural elements creates an immersive experience that will leave readers enthralled till the very end.
January 29, 2024
Thank you to the author and the publisher or publishers for all your hard work! I'm leaving this review voluntarily and happily!
This book was phenomenal! It's one huge twist! I had no idea that it was going in the direction it was going. This certainly had my jaw hitting the floor and then some. It's not heavy on gore, but there is certainly death and death mentions. The descriptions of the caves make you feel claustrophobic in the best sense. You're feeling what the characters are feeling: dread, nausea, and just the overall sense of doom. So much went into this work, and it shows.
Going into this, I thought it was a creature feature about a wendigo. I was wrong. I won't spoil it for anyone, but the creature in this book is something I hope never to meet. If something like this was real, we should all be wary of things we hear when we are alone or if we think we hear voices don't answer back and definitely don't go looking.
I have no real complaints. This was a quick read, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Is this a book I'll read again in the future, possibly. It definitely was something that caught my interest and held steady throughout.
This book was phenomenal! It's one huge twist! I had no idea that it was going in the direction it was going. This certainly had my jaw hitting the floor and then some. It's not heavy on gore, but there is certainly death and death mentions. The descriptions of the caves make you feel claustrophobic in the best sense. You're feeling what the characters are feeling: dread, nausea, and just the overall sense of doom. So much went into this work, and it shows.
Going into this, I thought it was a creature feature about a wendigo. I was wrong. I won't spoil it for anyone, but the creature in this book is something I hope never to meet. If something like this was real, we should all be wary of things we hear when we are alone or if we think we hear voices don't answer back and definitely don't go looking.
I have no real complaints. This was a quick read, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Is this a book I'll read again in the future, possibly. It definitely was something that caught my interest and held steady throughout.
January 31, 2024
"He was the only one alive, the only one on the entire planet. And the entire planet was in this tunnel, this mountain, this unending, unbroken shaft reaching from heaven to hell and circling back around. The minutes fell away like desiccated leaves from long- dead branches."
-Christopher Bond, The Devil Came Down the Mountain
I don't even know where to start with this review except for WOW.
Atmospheric and claustrophobic, this book is expertly written with all of the beautifully dark undertones that I long for in a story. The Devil Came Down the Mountain follows four longtime friends as they delve into the deepest, darkest caverns of the Uinta mountains. Down in the dark their friendships and sanity are tested, and they quickly learn how thin the threads that bond us can become when survival is the only goal. Some chapters had me laughing while others had my jaw on the floor... especially that one part! Chapter six was one of the creepiest chapters I've read in a book in a long time!
Christopher Bond is a name that I heard for the first time this year and if this powerhouse of a story is any indication to what we should be expecting from him, he's one to watch!
-Christopher Bond, The Devil Came Down the Mountain
I don't even know where to start with this review except for WOW.
Atmospheric and claustrophobic, this book is expertly written with all of the beautifully dark undertones that I long for in a story. The Devil Came Down the Mountain follows four longtime friends as they delve into the deepest, darkest caverns of the Uinta mountains. Down in the dark their friendships and sanity are tested, and they quickly learn how thin the threads that bond us can become when survival is the only goal. Some chapters had me laughing while others had my jaw on the floor... especially that one part! Chapter six was one of the creepiest chapters I've read in a book in a long time!
Christopher Bond is a name that I heard for the first time this year and if this powerhouse of a story is any indication to what we should be expecting from him, he's one to watch!
June 5, 2024
I always forget how claustrophobic anything underground makes me until I read something set in tunnels, like 'The Devil Came Down the Mountain.' This was a fast-paced Until Dawn-esque anxiety ride, and I loved every minute of it!
I'm really curious about the All-Mother Trees and what exactly the cavern was. Josh explained a little, but I wish he would've delved more into what was down there. I feel like I'm missing a couple pieces to have the full picture of the plot of the book. I loved the kind of full circle moment at the end, though, and thought it wrapped things up nicely despite my slight confusion on the lore.
Bond did something different with the "creature" here, and it made for a unique experience. I was glad to see something I hadn't read before as opposed to the tried and true in cave/underground horror. There were a few things here and there that could've used one more pass through editing, but it was a very enjoyable story overall! I'd definitely read more by this author, and I'd love to see another book set in this world!
Many thanks to Horrorsmith Publishing for gifting me a copy!
I'm really curious about the All-Mother Trees and what exactly the cavern was. Josh explained a little, but I wish he would've delved more into what was down there. I feel like I'm missing a couple pieces to have the full picture of the plot of the book. I loved the kind of full circle moment at the end, though, and thought it wrapped things up nicely despite my slight confusion on the lore.
Bond did something different with the "creature" here, and it made for a unique experience. I was glad to see something I hadn't read before as opposed to the tried and true in cave/underground horror. There were a few things here and there that could've used one more pass through editing, but it was a very enjoyable story overall! I'd definitely read more by this author, and I'd love to see another book set in this world!
Many thanks to Horrorsmith Publishing for gifting me a copy!
October 7, 2025
A chilling, unforgettable descent into darkness
The Devil Came Down the Mountain is a haunting, atmospheric thriller that kept me on edge from start to finish. Christopher Bond masterfully weaves tension, mystery, and psychological depth into a story that feels both cinematic and deeply unsettling.
The mountain itself almost becomes a living character—its isolation, secrets, and sinister presence setting the perfect backdrop for a tale of human fear and temptation. The pacing is deliberate but never dull, allowing the suspense to build naturally until it explodes in shocking, satisfying moments.
What really stood out to me were the characters—flawed, complex, and achingly real. You can feel their desperation and paranoia growing as the line between reality and evil blurs. Bond’s prose is sharp and immersive, painting scenes that stick with you long after the last page.
If you enjoy dark thrillers with a hint of the supernatural and a heavy dose of moral conflict, this book will absolutely pull you in. An exceptional read that proves evil doesn’t always stay buried—it climbs down the mountain with you.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
The Devil Came Down the Mountain is a haunting, atmospheric thriller that kept me on edge from start to finish. Christopher Bond masterfully weaves tension, mystery, and psychological depth into a story that feels both cinematic and deeply unsettling.
The mountain itself almost becomes a living character—its isolation, secrets, and sinister presence setting the perfect backdrop for a tale of human fear and temptation. The pacing is deliberate but never dull, allowing the suspense to build naturally until it explodes in shocking, satisfying moments.
What really stood out to me were the characters—flawed, complex, and achingly real. You can feel their desperation and paranoia growing as the line between reality and evil blurs. Bond’s prose is sharp and immersive, painting scenes that stick with you long after the last page.
If you enjoy dark thrillers with a hint of the supernatural and a heavy dose of moral conflict, this book will absolutely pull you in. An exceptional read that proves evil doesn’t always stay buried—it climbs down the mountain with you.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
January 29, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book! There were twists that I didn’t expect even up to the very end. It was my first horror book I’ve read, and definitely won’t be my last.
I loved the concept of the book- 4 long time friends taking a trip to a cave not many people have heard about or are willing to discuss. One person in the friend group, a dark tourist that lives for these kind of adventures, can’t be more excited to finally be there. The others are apprehensive as they get closer to the caves and want to leave. What could go wrong? It’s just a cave that has a history of not letting its visitors leave, no big deal.
I really enjoyed the pace at which new information about the characters were revealed. The writing style was easy to understand and follow along with.
It’s a quick read but not so quick that it feels like a lot of detail is missing or you’re confused about any aspect. It was very well thought out and put together.
I look forward to reading more from Christopher Bond and in this genre in general!
I loved the concept of the book- 4 long time friends taking a trip to a cave not many people have heard about or are willing to discuss. One person in the friend group, a dark tourist that lives for these kind of adventures, can’t be more excited to finally be there. The others are apprehensive as they get closer to the caves and want to leave. What could go wrong? It’s just a cave that has a history of not letting its visitors leave, no big deal.
I really enjoyed the pace at which new information about the characters were revealed. The writing style was easy to understand and follow along with.
It’s a quick read but not so quick that it feels like a lot of detail is missing or you’re confused about any aspect. It was very well thought out and put together.
I look forward to reading more from Christopher Bond and in this genre in general!
February 11, 2024
After the unexpected death of his parents, Josh Bridges, a self-proclaimed dark tourist, asks his closest friends to accompany him to the Uinta Mountains in Utah for a getaway. These mountains are claimed to be cursed and although Josh’s friends seem reluctant to explore around them, Josh is bound and determined to explore the Murmuring Caves. As the friends make their ways into the caves, what they see and who they hear may not be one another.
I was very intrigued by the concept behind this novella, as I love traveling and outdoor exploration. As I made my way through this novella, I found that sections seemed to be dragging and that I wasn't experiencing much of a reaction to the story. I did not find the story to be particularly gripping or scary, and was finding it hard to connect with the plot and characters. The ending was interesting and unique, which I appreciated, but I wished that there were more unsettling aspects throughout the novella that would have drove the story forward more.
I was very intrigued by the concept behind this novella, as I love traveling and outdoor exploration. As I made my way through this novella, I found that sections seemed to be dragging and that I wasn't experiencing much of a reaction to the story. I did not find the story to be particularly gripping or scary, and was finding it hard to connect with the plot and characters. The ending was interesting and unique, which I appreciated, but I wished that there were more unsettling aspects throughout the novella that would have drove the story forward more.
February 28, 2024
This was an OK book but more than a little silly.
There is a little bit of tension built up as 4 youngsters explore caves and the book ends with a plot turn or two but frankly I didn't think the book well written. Apart from the English (and bad proof reading) each page consisted of a stream of similes; indeed, there were so many that I mentally started counting them! Furthermore, there was little character development, no obvious motivations for doing what they were doing for two of the main characters and to finish it off a carnivorous tree that was in perpetual darkness. Hmmm. Never heard of that before; I thought trees photosynthesised and required sunlight to do so. As I said more than a little silly and, as I came to the end of the book, I was quite surprised at the number of high star ratings it had received
In view of that evidence, I suppose it must be me that is the problem, not the book, but there we are. I am now going to move onto something slightly more sensible and with much higher quality prose. Back to good old Hilary Mantel.
There is a little bit of tension built up as 4 youngsters explore caves and the book ends with a plot turn or two but frankly I didn't think the book well written. Apart from the English (and bad proof reading) each page consisted of a stream of similes; indeed, there were so many that I mentally started counting them! Furthermore, there was little character development, no obvious motivations for doing what they were doing for two of the main characters and to finish it off a carnivorous tree that was in perpetual darkness. Hmmm. Never heard of that before; I thought trees photosynthesised and required sunlight to do so. As I said more than a little silly and, as I came to the end of the book, I was quite surprised at the number of high star ratings it had received
In view of that evidence, I suppose it must be me that is the problem, not the book, but there we are. I am now going to move onto something slightly more sensible and with much higher quality prose. Back to good old Hilary Mantel.
September 17, 2024
**Possible Spoilers**
Pro's
• Good setting
• Plot Twists( good ones)
• Good friends having a good time turned into betrayal, murder, and deepest/darkest human desires
• The build up was really good and had me on the edge of my seat
• Didn't want to stop reading late at night, but worth the next day struggle
Cons
• I always prefer more back story to the horror element
-What was this, what was the lore behind it
-We didn't get much until the last pages which bummed me out because there seemed to be a lot more meat to the towns/wardens involvement
Overall
I greatly enjoyed this book. It had all the elements of a good explorer horror being set in a remote National Park, unexplored caves, and ancient entity vibes. Even the cons I have are all personal preference and didn't take away from the story. Were merely the things that to me would have taken this story over the top.
Pro's
• Good setting
• Plot Twists( good ones)
• Good friends having a good time turned into betrayal, murder, and deepest/darkest human desires
• The build up was really good and had me on the edge of my seat
• Didn't want to stop reading late at night, but worth the next day struggle
Cons
• I always prefer more back story to the horror element
-What was this, what was the lore behind it
-We didn't get much until the last pages which bummed me out because there seemed to be a lot more meat to the towns/wardens involvement
Overall
I greatly enjoyed this book. It had all the elements of a good explorer horror being set in a remote National Park, unexplored caves, and ancient entity vibes. Even the cons I have are all personal preference and didn't take away from the story. Were merely the things that to me would have taken this story over the top.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2024
3.5 stars rounded to 4. Christopher Bond's novella, 'The Devil Came Down the Mountain,' feels like the concept for a found footage movie: cinematic prose, sharp dialogue, very few flashbacks, creepy atmosphere and only a few -but crucial- glimpses of the creatures before the big revelation. I especially liked the way the author played with expectations, the twists exploding on the page just a bit before the end. Up to that point, the novella was a slow burn, with lots and lots of dialogue, exactly as in found footage movies of this type; it's also hard to relate to any of the characters, as they act, well, yeah you guessed it, as if they're acting in a found footage movie: irrationally, a bit stereotypically, a bit annoyingly. That said, I enjoyed the novella and would recommend it to anyone who likes horror!
January 3, 2025
The Devil Came Down the Mountain is an intriguing read with unexpected twists and turns. I did NOT see that ending coming and it was a perfect conclusion to the story. There were moments of incredibly poignant language that stopped me in my tracks, my favorite being..."Something special happened when old friends got together, a particular kind of magic similar to time travel. It was like pulling an old record off the shelf you haven’t listened to in a long time. The cover might be torn, the grooves dusty, but after you brushed it off and wiped it down, it played that same sweet song you remembered, and soon enough, you’re bobbing your head and singing the lyrics you thought were long forgotten." Interesting story, well told.
January 30, 2024
Okay, picture this, you are going hiking with childhood friends after seeing each other after a tragedy. All sounds normal right?! Well one of the four people is a dark tourist. (Side note: I had no idea there was an actual name for these people) So when everyone else finds out about the murmuring caves and the history behind them…you could feel the hesitation.
I was a disoriented reading trying to guess what was going to come next as the people roaming the caves. This has potential to be top 10 for its genere this year.
Is the evil inside or is the evil being whispered through the winds tunnels in the caves?
I was a disoriented reading trying to guess what was going to come next as the people roaming the caves. This has potential to be top 10 for its genere this year.
Is the evil inside or is the evil being whispered through the winds tunnels in the caves?
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