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Devils That Prey
Olivia Rose and her friends have just finished their first semester as college freshmen and are planning to raise a little hell on their college break, but have no idea just what hell is to be raised.
Hungry for a good time, they provoke the locals only to find themselves in a nightmare that never seems to let up.
With their lives on the line, this young group of friends fight to escape this hopeless situation while the locals sink their teeth into this sick game of cat and mouse.
The only chance at survival is to meet violence with violence.
The terror unfolding will have you reconsidering your drive through small-town America.
Hungry for a good time, they provoke the locals only to find themselves in a nightmare that never seems to let up.
With their lives on the line, this young group of friends fight to escape this hopeless situation while the locals sink their teeth into this sick game of cat and mouse.
The only chance at survival is to meet violence with violence.
The terror unfolding will have you reconsidering your drive through small-town America.
- GenresHorror
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2022
40 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 2, 2025
From start to finish this is one terrifying and gruesome storyline overflowing with heart-pounding suspense.
Without a doubt, Washburn's Devils That Prey does not play favorites with these characters. Beware: Here, anything goes...
Highly recommend to my hardcore horror friends.
Without a doubt, Washburn's Devils That Prey does not play favorites with these characters. Beware: Here, anything goes...
Highly recommend to my hardcore horror friends.
September 7, 2025
A Detour Into Hell...
DEVILS THAT PREY
by David Washburn
3 1/2 stars. University students Olivia, Nathan, Mike, and Kris ran into a highway snarl as they traveled home on spring break...
Taking the next exit...
They took back roads through country farmland. Their car passed a slow-moving church van full of people, which the boys harassed...
Stopping at a convenience store...
The group encountered the people from the church van, and ugly words were exchanged...
Afterward...
Back on the road, the young people had a flat, and when they opened the trunk to get the spare, they found it was gone, and their things had been rifled through...
What's worse was...
Their mobile phones had no reception. What started out as a weekend with friends and family had turned into a detour into hell and a fight for survival...
Overall, this was light reading, possibly inspired by 80s slasher movies. There's plenty of gore and mayhem for diehard extreme horror fans, but the plot was derivative of 80s-style horror movies and books and somewhat predictable.
It would have been a solid 4 stars for the entertainment, but I had to remove half a star for murdering the English language in places. For example, the wrong use of to, too, and two.
Recapping: It was a quick, predictable, but enjoyable read if you could overlook the flaws in the writing (after a while, I just couldn't).
DEVILS THAT PREY
by David Washburn
3 1/2 stars. University students Olivia, Nathan, Mike, and Kris ran into a highway snarl as they traveled home on spring break...
Taking the next exit...
They took back roads through country farmland. Their car passed a slow-moving church van full of people, which the boys harassed...
Stopping at a convenience store...
The group encountered the people from the church van, and ugly words were exchanged...
Afterward...
Back on the road, the young people had a flat, and when they opened the trunk to get the spare, they found it was gone, and their things had been rifled through...
What's worse was...
Their mobile phones had no reception. What started out as a weekend with friends and family had turned into a detour into hell and a fight for survival...
Overall, this was light reading, possibly inspired by 80s slasher movies. There's plenty of gore and mayhem for diehard extreme horror fans, but the plot was derivative of 80s-style horror movies and books and somewhat predictable.
It would have been a solid 4 stars for the entertainment, but I had to remove half a star for murdering the English language in places. For example, the wrong use of to, too, and two.
Recapping: It was a quick, predictable, but enjoyable read if you could overlook the flaws in the writing (after a while, I just couldn't).
September 18, 2025
3.5 stars. It was a quick, fun read. The writing could have been better, but it felt like a slasher film you'd comfort watch.
August 19, 2025
Deliverance meets The Texas Chainsaw Massacre starring the Manson Family in an entertaining action-packed hell of a read.
Never going to stop again at a countryside gas station ever...
Highly recommended if you're in the mood for a savage, bleak rampage through redneck cult territory.
And poor Olivia is just one of best final girls out there.
Four gore-soaked adrenaline-fueled thrilling stars.
Never going to stop again at a countryside gas station ever...
Highly recommended if you're in the mood for a savage, bleak rampage through redneck cult territory.
And poor Olivia is just one of best final girls out there.
Four gore-soaked adrenaline-fueled thrilling stars.
September 17, 2025
The only goal they have in mind is partying hard, like 19/20-year-old kids can. School’s out; it’s their first summer break from college, and they are ready to tear it up. Well, the people of this small back roads community are not going to go for that. These know-it-all, rude college kids coming into their town, cutting loose, disrespecting them and thinking they can get away with that, is not happening. They’re going to teach these kids a thing or two about respect, and it’ll be a lesson they will never forget.
Yeah, liked this. There’s a reason I’ve seen this scenario play out in countless movies, TV shows, and books: it works. I’m not going to say you must read this—it’s that good—but it was a fun night of reading.
Yeah, liked this. There’s a reason I’ve seen this scenario play out in countless movies, TV shows, and books: it works. I’m not going to say you must read this—it’s that good—but it was a fun night of reading.
November 25, 2022
I will start off by saying that I don't typically read slasher horror. When I do read horror, it's usually more of the Gothic or paranormal variety, not the bloody kind featuring very human monsters. But this story, featuring a group of college students who make an unfortunate wrong turn in the South Carolina backwoods, sounded like a feasible enough plot, so I decided to step out of my comfort zone. And immediately, I was uncomfortable. I have very strong opinions on tense choice, and I was initially dismayed to find this story was written in third person, present tense. It's not a natural way of speaking, and as such, when I read it, it makes me very anxious. However, this was an intentional choice by the author to amplify this anxiety, and to live in the moment with Olivia and her friends, as they get into a roadside altercation with a group of senior citizen alternative church members that will ultimately change all their lives. It will make me second guess any future incidents of road rage for sure. All hell breaks loose when they meet back up at an isolated gas station, and the group finds that these people have nefarious plans for them involving a bizarre religious ceremony to summon God. The writing style was very descriptive, so I felt like I was in the middle of the story, and also seemed realistic. If you live in a rural community, might you be offended? Perhaps. But it did have that sort of "ripped from the headlines" quality that made it seem like something you could hear on the news about religious cults. While this was not the sort of book that I would normally have sought out for myself, it was an engaging, fast paced read that did the job it was intended to do by keeping my anxiety ratcheted up to an 11 on the dial, and gave you that final knife in the heart just when you're lulled into a false sense of security.
⭐ Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book to review.
⭐ Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book to review.
October 15, 2025
Devils That Prey was wild ride with a mood of an 80’s horror slasher! Your singular goal is to get away as far as possible and survive!
It took a few pages to get used to the writing but it definitely showed some promise. This felt like a fun and creepy 80’s campy B movie. Definitely pays homage to the slasher genre. It’s gruesome and I definitely yelled oh sh*t a couple of times!
Perfect for the macabre aficionado on a fall crisp night!
It took a few pages to get used to the writing but it definitely showed some promise. This felt like a fun and creepy 80’s campy B movie. Definitely pays homage to the slasher genre. It’s gruesome and I definitely yelled oh sh*t a couple of times!
Perfect for the macabre aficionado on a fall crisp night!
April 25, 2024
When Olivia and her friends set off for a summer adventure they have no idea that it will be the summer of nightmares. After provoking and disrespecting the locals in a small town, the teens must survive a horrific came of hide and seek with deadly and gruesome consequences.
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced, bingeable and unputdownable. I was instantly transported into the carnage of this story and could not look away. The author skillfully uses what I think is omniscient narration which I think really fits with the tone of this book. The kill count was spot on and the perfect amount for a slasher horror, the descriptions of each scene made for an even more gory and violent read as readers can easily visualize what the author is describing.
I loved loved that ending, I did not see things wrapping up that way at all.
Overall, this was a good slasher horror read, it reminded me of those late 90s/early 2000s slasher films that we all know and love. I really enjoyed this one and I'm glad I picked it up.
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced, bingeable and unputdownable. I was instantly transported into the carnage of this story and could not look away. The author skillfully uses what I think is omniscient narration which I think really fits with the tone of this book. The kill count was spot on and the perfect amount for a slasher horror, the descriptions of each scene made for an even more gory and violent read as readers can easily visualize what the author is describing.
I loved loved that ending, I did not see things wrapping up that way at all.
Overall, this was a good slasher horror read, it reminded me of those late 90s/early 2000s slasher films that we all know and love. I really enjoyed this one and I'm glad I picked it up.
November 14, 2024
I freaking loved this book, such a fun read… always like a good slasher book 📕
April 29, 2023
Have you ever done something kind of asshole-ish to someone else on the road without considering how that person might react? Have you ever pulled over at a gas station in the middle of nowhere while on a road trip and felt a little uneasy being there? If you’re ever in either of those predicaments, you’ll proceed with caution after reading Devils That Prey.
The story follows a group of college friends taking a road trip back to their hometown who make the mistake of messing with a group of religious old people for their own amusement, then happen to run into that same group at a nearby gas station and get into another altercation with them. Olivia and her friends soon find themselves in a waking nightmare, desperately trying to make it out alive as these locals turn the tables on them and play a twisted game of cat and mouse as part of a sick religious ceremony.
I was captivated by the intensity and constant tension maintained throughout this book, and found myself really rooting for Olivia. She was a genuinely nice person who tried to be the voice of reason and deter her rowdy friends from stirring up trouble. Ultimately, Olivia’s ending turned out to be a gut-wrenching one, but certainly not the one you’d expect.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys horror/thriller-style books… or, to anyone preparing for a road trip, maybe you should give this a read before you stop at that sketchy-looking gas station in the middle of nowhere with your slightly obnoxious friends.
The story follows a group of college friends taking a road trip back to their hometown who make the mistake of messing with a group of religious old people for their own amusement, then happen to run into that same group at a nearby gas station and get into another altercation with them. Olivia and her friends soon find themselves in a waking nightmare, desperately trying to make it out alive as these locals turn the tables on them and play a twisted game of cat and mouse as part of a sick religious ceremony.
I was captivated by the intensity and constant tension maintained throughout this book, and found myself really rooting for Olivia. She was a genuinely nice person who tried to be the voice of reason and deter her rowdy friends from stirring up trouble. Ultimately, Olivia’s ending turned out to be a gut-wrenching one, but certainly not the one you’d expect.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys horror/thriller-style books… or, to anyone preparing for a road trip, maybe you should give this a read before you stop at that sketchy-looking gas station in the middle of nowhere with your slightly obnoxious friends.
December 2, 2022
When do we get the movie version? If you love edge of your seat thrillers, this book is for you. David did a great job with character development and setting the scene for each portion of the story. I might have completely blown off an entire day of work because I couldn’t put this down. Believe me...I tried! I would just keep picking it back up because I needed to know what Olivia and her friends would do next. What situation they would get tangled up in next?
I thought I had this figured out from the beginning. I did not. David did a fantastic job keeping my interest with the twists and turns he strategically placed throughout this book. I love books like this!
This was a fast paced thriller. Think Texas Chainsaw Massacre with a splash of Deliverance.
I’m really looking forward to future books from David.
Blurb:
Olivia Rose and her friends have just finished their first semester as college freshmen and are planning to raise a little hell on their college break, but have no idea just what hell is to be raised.
Hungry for a good time, they provoke the locals only to find themselves in a nightmare that never seems to let up.
With their lives on the line, this young group of friends fight to escape this hopeless situation while the locals sink their teeth into this sick game of cat and mouse.
The only chance at survival is to meet violence with violence.
The terror unfolding will have you reconsidering your drive through small-town America.
I thought I had this figured out from the beginning. I did not. David did a fantastic job keeping my interest with the twists and turns he strategically placed throughout this book. I love books like this!
This was a fast paced thriller. Think Texas Chainsaw Massacre with a splash of Deliverance.
I’m really looking forward to future books from David.
Blurb:
Olivia Rose and her friends have just finished their first semester as college freshmen and are planning to raise a little hell on their college break, but have no idea just what hell is to be raised.
Hungry for a good time, they provoke the locals only to find themselves in a nightmare that never seems to let up.
With their lives on the line, this young group of friends fight to escape this hopeless situation while the locals sink their teeth into this sick game of cat and mouse.
The only chance at survival is to meet violence with violence.
The terror unfolding will have you reconsidering your drive through small-town America.
December 11, 2022
This book is a slasher, horror novel taking place in small town USA aka the backwoods of rural South Carolina.
This story surrounds Olivia, her douche of a boyfriend and 2 other guys as they wreak havoc on a church van on a road trip home for the summer from college.
As luck would have it they messed with the wrong crowd and they are about to be shown just how the people in this town (or should I say cult) react to entitlement.
This book is full of twists and just as you think you’ve got it figured out…you’re proven to have no idea.
If guts and gore, blood and murder interests you then I suggest you give Devils That Prey by David Washburn a chance. You won’t be disappointed 🩸 🪓 🔪 🌲
This story surrounds Olivia, her douche of a boyfriend and 2 other guys as they wreak havoc on a church van on a road trip home for the summer from college.
As luck would have it they messed with the wrong crowd and they are about to be shown just how the people in this town (or should I say cult) react to entitlement.
This book is full of twists and just as you think you’ve got it figured out…you’re proven to have no idea.
If guts and gore, blood and murder interests you then I suggest you give Devils That Prey by David Washburn a chance. You won’t be disappointed 🩸 🪓 🔪 🌲
January 6, 2023
This was fun! There are some twists in here I wasn't expecting and I flew through it. Seriously, if you are looking for a slasher you can read in just a couple of sittings (or even one) this is for you. It hits on all the correct tropes and the story progressed as expected through all the necessary plot points. Although it was a fun read, I did struggle with some aspects of the book. I felt the writing could've been a bit more polished with one more editorial pass before being published. I liked the story but a bit of cleaned-up writing would've made my experience better. The other thing I really struggled with was believing that the "bad guys" were competent in the slightest. They had so many failed attempts at killing the four kids that I struggled to believe they had killed many people in the past. The protagonists also made some egregious choices when it came to survival tactics but I am more forgiving because they are in the heat of the moment. The killers however should've been more competent as they have done this before. Perhaps they got lazy and content in their last wave without killing. The end of this one was a fun twist and I almost wish the epilogue and the last chapter were flipped as I think it would make a greater impact on the reader. But again, I did have fun with this one and always appreciate a good slasher novel.
December 5, 2022
It didn't take me long to see this book, add it to my TBR and then go ahead and buy / read it.
This book is perfect for lovers of:
- Brutal horror / slashers
- Cults
- Creepy, outdated, small towns with people who are extreme in their religious beliefs
Following Oliva, Mike, Nathan and Kris was one hell of a journey and although I didn't really like Nathan or Kris, no one deserved their night playing out like this. My heart broke continuously for Oliva.
My favourite character was Mike and reading him grow as a person, I think most of us would probably start of with his hesitant attitude and end with his I give no shits attitude.
I'm not going to lie, I had to take a moment to breathe and make a cup of tea after reading the part at Ben and Cassie's house. This is the moment I decided I hated Patty with a fury and was hoping beyond hope that someone would murder her brutally without hesitation and in full view of Ozzy. Trust me, beginning to end, you will hate these people and just be thinking "why? why tho?"
I was gripped to this terrifying book. It was brutal and intense and the end was one hell of a showdown. Although I wasn't expecting the very ending - anxiety levels were high!
This would make an excellent movie but I'm not sure I could watch these events play out on the big screen! My imagination allowed me to see clearly enough....all hail the nightmares!
😈😈😈😈 Four little Devils for this one!
This book is perfect for lovers of:
- Brutal horror / slashers
- Cults
- Creepy, outdated, small towns with people who are extreme in their religious beliefs
Following Oliva, Mike, Nathan and Kris was one hell of a journey and although I didn't really like Nathan or Kris, no one deserved their night playing out like this. My heart broke continuously for Oliva.
My favourite character was Mike and reading him grow as a person, I think most of us would probably start of with his hesitant attitude and end with his I give no shits attitude.
I'm not going to lie, I had to take a moment to breathe and make a cup of tea after reading the part at Ben and Cassie's house. This is the moment I decided I hated Patty with a fury and was hoping beyond hope that someone would murder her brutally without hesitation and in full view of Ozzy. Trust me, beginning to end, you will hate these people and just be thinking "why? why tho?"
I was gripped to this terrifying book. It was brutal and intense and the end was one hell of a showdown. Although I wasn't expecting the very ending - anxiety levels were high!
This would make an excellent movie but I'm not sure I could watch these events play out on the big screen! My imagination allowed me to see clearly enough....all hail the nightmares!
😈😈😈😈 Four little Devils for this one!
January 29, 2023
Could have been edited more. The characters seemed a little cheesy. Wasn’t horrible. Wasn’t my favorite. Definitely some potential.
January 9, 2023
This story takes place in the backwoods of South Carolina with four friends going to their home town for summer break from college when things take a turn for the worse.
Let me just start off by saying horror and thriller are both two genres I barely read but let me just say phew 😮💨 THIS HAD ME ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT! I finished in a day and a half because I simply could not put it down!
David did an amazing job describing the setting, the characters, just wow 🙌🏼
I do think the last chapter and epilogue should be switched, but that ending 😩
I will say, if you get an upset stomach easily after reading about de@th, this book may not be for you! I wound up having to put the book down and stop reading for a little while, but after I picked it back up I couldn’t stop!
Let me just start off by saying horror and thriller are both two genres I barely read but let me just say phew 😮💨 THIS HAD ME ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT! I finished in a day and a half because I simply could not put it down!
David did an amazing job describing the setting, the characters, just wow 🙌🏼
I do think the last chapter and epilogue should be switched, but that ending 😩
I will say, if you get an upset stomach easily after reading about de@th, this book may not be for you! I wound up having to put the book down and stop reading for a little while, but after I picked it back up I couldn’t stop!
January 10, 2023
This is not a genre I typically read, but I’m so glad I decided to give this book a chance. It was absolutely worth it. I stayed up until early in the morning to finish because I needed to know how it was going to end. I thought this book was a great combo of fast paced action and suspense. I felt like I got to know the characters so quickly and became easily attached to them! I audibly gasped multiple times and I did not see the ending coming. This is a great read if you’re looking for a quick, addicting, suspenseful book!
Thanks to the author for providing me a copy to read and review!
Thanks to the author for providing me a copy to read and review!
February 15, 2024
Beware of the boonies
What a freaking ending! Devils That Prey is an incredibly detailed story, giving you a perfect visual in your mind as the story plays out. The characters were well written and gives you a chance to see not only murderous rage from the bad guys but also the love and humanity they have for each other as a community, as well as the tight friendship, immaturity and the fight for survival from the young outsiders. A perfect horror with old school slasher feels, non-stop action, humor, and nail-biting thrills! Highly recommend.
What a freaking ending! Devils That Prey is an incredibly detailed story, giving you a perfect visual in your mind as the story plays out. The characters were well written and gives you a chance to see not only murderous rage from the bad guys but also the love and humanity they have for each other as a community, as well as the tight friendship, immaturity and the fight for survival from the young outsiders. A perfect horror with old school slasher feels, non-stop action, humor, and nail-biting thrills! Highly recommend.
December 13, 2022
Well I am not a big fan of bloody type horror but this book had me on the edge of my seat! Take normal anxiety levels and wrench it up by 1000% and that's where I was!
I am always fascinated with cults and what makes them what they are and what they believe. The things these kids went through I found myself saying "okay I would be down for the count there.. nope! yep that would keep me down.... Okay I just couldn't go on after that" But I guess your body just has a way of pushing survival adrenaline when you need it to stay alive.
It's a tough read and I got to a certain point where I was like "okay this has to be what's going to happen" and it just totally twisted into an ending I did not see coming! To be honest I'm a little upset by the end but at the same time it brought backy anxiety level up to that 1000%
I am always fascinated with cults and what makes them what they are and what they believe. The things these kids went through I found myself saying "okay I would be down for the count there.. nope! yep that would keep me down.... Okay I just couldn't go on after that" But I guess your body just has a way of pushing survival adrenaline when you need it to stay alive.
It's a tough read and I got to a certain point where I was like "okay this has to be what's going to happen" and it just totally twisted into an ending I did not see coming! To be honest I'm a little upset by the end but at the same time it brought backy anxiety level up to that 1000%
October 31, 2023
If you're after a Slasher movie in novel format, look no further. The story is fast paced and manages to have you rooting for the main character(s) which is not always the case in some novels (where you really don't care if they get away or not).
I did find the format (the tense, and third person format) jarring at points but it is easy to overlook due to (in my opinion) the strong, well paced plot. This could easily be translated into movie format, and I'd watch that movie immediately.
I'd rate this between a 3 and 4 star, but closer to 4 than 3. In all, a fun read.
I did find the format (the tense, and third person format) jarring at points but it is easy to overlook due to (in my opinion) the strong, well paced plot. This could easily be translated into movie format, and I'd watch that movie immediately.
I'd rate this between a 3 and 4 star, but closer to 4 than 3. In all, a fun read.
February 22, 2024
“Devils That Prey” is an intense horror read from writer David Washburn, who I’ve followed for some time, but this is my first time reading his work. The first thing that leapt off the page for me was Washburn’s distinctive use of a present-tense perspective; the events of the story are related to you in real time, reading almost like a script or stage directions in some respects, which is quite an interesting creative decision and makes the desperation and horror faced by his main characters all the more palpable during the book’s many gory and brutal sequences. The second thing that I noticed and appreciated was the book’s clear homage to backwoods horror classics like “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (Hooper, 1974), in particular, with Washburn’s depiction of a fanatical cult of sadists who delight in torturing, tracking, and killing their human quarry. Led by the fanatical Ozzy, Washburn’s bloodthirsty cult are both deeply religious and incredibly resentful of the arrogance of youth; they believe that their God has given the, license to punish youngsters for their lack of respect and their outright insolence, and throw themselves into toying with, brutalising, and sacrificing their prey to their God with an unnerving, self-righteous glee.
Their victims are a group of young, attractive friends looking to enjoy a break from college. Olivia Rose is the level-headed main character, who strives to keep the peace when her jock boyfriend, Nathan, and his equally brazen friend, Kris, mock a passing busload of churchgoers, only to incite the wrath of a cult-like group of killers. They’re joined by Mike, who evolves from the more grounded of the three males to reluctant action hero, of sorts, with both him and Olivia being first disgusted by the blood and death that derails their road trip and then coming to find that killer instinct they need to fight back against their pursuers. This is equally reflected in Nathan and Kris, who are initially confused and ignorant to the threat surrounding them but, after being lured into the cult’s makeshift church and given a head start, they soon find themselves forced to find any means to hide, fight, or escape when Ozzy leads his braying followers – including Jasper, Cliff, and Ozzy’s own unhinged wife, Patty – on a manhunt through the roads, woods, and unsuspecting neighbourhood.
What follows is an intense and escalating battle of survival as Washburn’s protagonists are whittled down, some putting up a better fight than others, attacked and injured and hounded relentlessly even when they find shelter or assistance from neighbours or passing motorists. Nowhere is safe for Olivia and her friends, who must overcome their panic and use whatever means and tools at their disposal to fight for their lives, even if it means infiltrating the cult and taking them out one at a time to interrupt a bizarre, cannibalistic ritual to summon their dark God. “Devils That Prey” maintains an engaging momentum throughout, with Washburn’s antagonists, in particular, showcasing an uncanny amount of personality; they bicker and banter with each other, mock their prey at every opportunity, hide their own insecurities behind a malicious bloodlust, and are deeply devoted to their cause, even killing their own when they’re grievously wounded. Washburn’s use of dialogue and unique presentation aids this, allowing the story to jump between the two groups (and different time periods) to flesh out the narrative. For a lifelong horror aficionado such as myself, “Devils That Prey” was a great love letter to a specific sub-genre of horror, providing just enough fun and gory twists on tried and true tropes to keep me engaged and I’d highly recommend it for anyone who’s a fan of 1970s-era horror films.
Their victims are a group of young, attractive friends looking to enjoy a break from college. Olivia Rose is the level-headed main character, who strives to keep the peace when her jock boyfriend, Nathan, and his equally brazen friend, Kris, mock a passing busload of churchgoers, only to incite the wrath of a cult-like group of killers. They’re joined by Mike, who evolves from the more grounded of the three males to reluctant action hero, of sorts, with both him and Olivia being first disgusted by the blood and death that derails their road trip and then coming to find that killer instinct they need to fight back against their pursuers. This is equally reflected in Nathan and Kris, who are initially confused and ignorant to the threat surrounding them but, after being lured into the cult’s makeshift church and given a head start, they soon find themselves forced to find any means to hide, fight, or escape when Ozzy leads his braying followers – including Jasper, Cliff, and Ozzy’s own unhinged wife, Patty – on a manhunt through the roads, woods, and unsuspecting neighbourhood.
What follows is an intense and escalating battle of survival as Washburn’s protagonists are whittled down, some putting up a better fight than others, attacked and injured and hounded relentlessly even when they find shelter or assistance from neighbours or passing motorists. Nowhere is safe for Olivia and her friends, who must overcome their panic and use whatever means and tools at their disposal to fight for their lives, even if it means infiltrating the cult and taking them out one at a time to interrupt a bizarre, cannibalistic ritual to summon their dark God. “Devils That Prey” maintains an engaging momentum throughout, with Washburn’s antagonists, in particular, showcasing an uncanny amount of personality; they bicker and banter with each other, mock their prey at every opportunity, hide their own insecurities behind a malicious bloodlust, and are deeply devoted to their cause, even killing their own when they’re grievously wounded. Washburn’s use of dialogue and unique presentation aids this, allowing the story to jump between the two groups (and different time periods) to flesh out the narrative. For a lifelong horror aficionado such as myself, “Devils That Prey” was a great love letter to a specific sub-genre of horror, providing just enough fun and gory twists on tried and true tropes to keep me engaged and I’d highly recommend it for anyone who’s a fan of 1970s-era horror films.
April 27, 2023
Four college friends are ready for a fun filled summer. They’ve got partying on their mind and the only thing standing between them and the best summer ever is the drive back home. No big deal, right? Except this group of friends are kinda big jerks and rude to the other cars on the road. Due to an accident on the highway , the group has no choice but to use back roads to get back home. Except they get lost and have no cell signal so they are forced to go to a creepy gas station and ask for help and from there the trajectory of their entire night (and lives) changes. What starts off as an easy drive home turns into them fighting for their lives.
Well this was unexpected!! I’ve had this on my TBR for a while because while I want to support a friend and read their book, horror is not my usual genre of choice and to be honest I was just really scared to read it. And while it was completely filled with gore, totally terrifying and made me uncomfortable .. it was genuinely a great book. The writing style made for a fast paced and easy read despite me covering my eyes with my fingers at times. 😅🫣 i literally stayed up until 1130pm reading because I couldn’t put it down. I usually don’t say this about books because I rarely feel this way, but I would LOVE to see this become a movie also. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 from me!
Well this was unexpected!! I’ve had this on my TBR for a while because while I want to support a friend and read their book, horror is not my usual genre of choice and to be honest I was just really scared to read it. And while it was completely filled with gore, totally terrifying and made me uncomfortable .. it was genuinely a great book. The writing style made for a fast paced and easy read despite me covering my eyes with my fingers at times. 😅🫣 i literally stayed up until 1130pm reading because I couldn’t put it down. I usually don’t say this about books because I rarely feel this way, but I would LOVE to see this become a movie also. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 from me!
January 29, 2023
3.5/5 rounded up to 4 stars.
Olivia along with her boyfriend Nate and their two friends Kris and Mike are eager to drive back to their hometown for summer break. With the road blocked they are forced to go around and take the scenic route that leads to the middle of nowhere. When they cross paths with a van full god worshipping rednecks, they decide to mess with them on the road. But little do they know, they provoked the wrong group and their little playful stunt just turned into a death wish.
The first half of this book had me at the edge of my seat, screaming at the characters to “hurry up” or “shoot him!” lol I couldn’t put this down, I was hooked and in suspense! The creepy God worshipping cult full of Redneck cannibals were relentless in their pursuit to find and devour human flesh for a ritual. Where it started to lose me a little was at about 55% into it where new characters were introduced and the scenario felt kinda unrealistic and unnecessary. Some parts were also a bit drawn out and the book could have benefited from being edited down in my opinion. Also there’s a scene that involved the murder of a dog could have been edited out completely.
Besides a few things that felt a bit off, I really did enjoy this novel and would recommend it to those who enjoy survival Horror featuring a crazy cult and lots of bloody action. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more by this author!
⚠️𝐂𝐖: Murder of Dog
Olivia along with her boyfriend Nate and their two friends Kris and Mike are eager to drive back to their hometown for summer break. With the road blocked they are forced to go around and take the scenic route that leads to the middle of nowhere. When they cross paths with a van full god worshipping rednecks, they decide to mess with them on the road. But little do they know, they provoked the wrong group and their little playful stunt just turned into a death wish.
The first half of this book had me at the edge of my seat, screaming at the characters to “hurry up” or “shoot him!” lol I couldn’t put this down, I was hooked and in suspense! The creepy God worshipping cult full of Redneck cannibals were relentless in their pursuit to find and devour human flesh for a ritual. Where it started to lose me a little was at about 55% into it where new characters were introduced and the scenario felt kinda unrealistic and unnecessary. Some parts were also a bit drawn out and the book could have benefited from being edited down in my opinion. Also there’s a scene that involved the murder of a dog could have been edited out completely.
Besides a few things that felt a bit off, I really did enjoy this novel and would recommend it to those who enjoy survival Horror featuring a crazy cult and lots of bloody action. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more by this author!
⚠️𝐂𝐖: Murder of Dog
January 10, 2023
I had the pleasure of receiving this book from the author(He’s a very nice guy) and i was not disappointed! This was an amazing, action packed horror/slasher! I haven’t read much in the horror and slasher genre but i love horror movies. This book gave me Hills have Eyes, Wrong Turn and House of Wax vibes page after page and i loved every second of it. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time i was reading, i hope this one gets a sequel. I also loved seeing my name in the book, I haven’t come across that yet.
February 1, 2023
I loved this book -it really was exciting. The characters were developed and scary and I can’t believe how it ended because I sure wanted Ozzie to get his! The author does a good job of putting you right in the middle of the action. It was very vivid and even though it read like a movie script (in the fact that the plot line seemed very familiar) I found it to be a very enjoyable read. I think what would have have made the story better was if we had gotten a more intimate look into the craziness of Ozzie. I mean what was he thinking? What goes through the mind of a crazy person? That’s what makes it a great book, when we can hear the intimate thoughts of a person, as opposed to watching a movie. This book is a great read. You won’t be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2023
2023 favorite read!!!!
I know the year is just getting started but it’s going to be hard to top this book. The details of some of the events in this book had me sick to my stomach at points I had to put the book down for a second but also actually gave me a scare, which is what I want! Huge congratulations to David for writing a master piece that gave me goosebumps.
I know the year is just getting started but it’s going to be hard to top this book. The details of some of the events in this book had me sick to my stomach at points I had to put the book down for a second but also actually gave me a scare, which is what I want! Huge congratulations to David for writing a master piece that gave me goosebumps.
January 3, 2023
Horror/Slasher type books are right up my alley of what I enjoy reading. Devils That Prey had me wrapped right into this realistic plot.
I have stopped at those small gas stations that had me second guessing if I should get out of my car and this book made my fears intensified. Using religion as the reason behind "righteous" killing is a "devilish" concept and had me hooked.
I have stopped at those small gas stations that had me second guessing if I should get out of my car and this book made my fears intensified. Using religion as the reason behind "righteous" killing is a "devilish" concept and had me hooked.
January 8, 2023
This was a tense thriller! There was a lot of action packed into a fairly short book. It was fun to dive into the messed up nature of humans and what we are willing to do for our cause or survival.
September 18, 2024
These devils need prayer. Truly. 🫣
What an exhilarating book! DEVILS THAT PREY is a fast-paced horror novel filled with gore, suspense, and nonstop action. The book features four college students who are returning home for the summer, and they’re all perhaps a bit too rowdy on the drive down south. When they stop at a gas station to fuel up, they quickly find themselves in trouble as the narrative spins into fight or flight mode for the remainder of the book.
If you’re looking for a scary book to set the tone for spooky szn, this one’s it!
(Thanks for the anxiety, brother. 🤣)
Read if you like:
🪓 Slasher movies
🫣 Gruesome scenes
💀 Religious cults
🍿 Fight for survival stories
🍂 Rural settings
What an exhilarating book! DEVILS THAT PREY is a fast-paced horror novel filled with gore, suspense, and nonstop action. The book features four college students who are returning home for the summer, and they’re all perhaps a bit too rowdy on the drive down south. When they stop at a gas station to fuel up, they quickly find themselves in trouble as the narrative spins into fight or flight mode for the remainder of the book.
If you’re looking for a scary book to set the tone for spooky szn, this one’s it!
(Thanks for the anxiety, brother. 🤣)
Read if you like:
🪓 Slasher movies
🫣 Gruesome scenes
💀 Religious cults
🍿 Fight for survival stories
🍂 Rural settings
December 8, 2022
I will start this review off by saying that this is my first time reading a horror book. HOWEVER, I’m not sure it’s possible that it gets much better than this. I’ve always been into horror movies. I love being scared, being on the edge of my seat, and nothing gory bothers me. If you love thrillers, suspense, horror, and not being able to put a book down until you find out what happens, GO READ THIS BOOK NOW. It is for you!! literally couldn’t stop reading until I found out what happened to Olivia, Mike, Kris, and Nathan. In this book, you’ll be engulfed into the world of a cat and mouse game between a group of college kids and a cult. I won’t post any spoilers, and there are already several reviews that include a summary, so I’ll save that for them. All I have left to say is that this is a super tasteful, extremely intense, well written horror novel that includes everything you could ever want in this genre. And most importantly, it is NOT for the faint of heart. Beware: you’re about to enter into the ride of your life when you begin this book!! Just go read it, I promise you won’t regret it. A huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy to read. I truly can’t wait to read more from him!
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