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Devil 13: Book I-Chronicle

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Key Gifford bears the weight of the whole world on his shoulders. As the 13th Devil, Key was born for a specific either to be a sacrifice-a way for Hell to claim and destroy the earth-or to make a Garden of Eden of our world and grant humans immortality. Key is the single catalyst to Armageddon or deliverance, and being responsible for the salvation or death of humanity is a burden he is desperately trying to escape. In this powerful debut novel, Key and his partner, Elizabeth Hellsing, must find the Shroud of Turin if they are to have any hope of changing Key from the 13th Devil into a human. They'll face unholy opposition at every turn, but if they succeed, it will cancel out the prophecy, free Key from his own sacrifice... and save the Earth from total destruction.

352 pages, Paperback

First published February 13, 2014

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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for Charline Ratcliff.
Author 3 books214 followers
July 12, 2014
I wasn’t certain what to expect when I agreed to review a book with the title “Devil 13.” However, the cover art was cute; the “about” blurb seemed unique, so, I figured why not. Of course, it was also this specific book that, (during mailing), managed to somehow separate itself from inside a package that contained five books. Things that make you go hmm…, right? Anyway, the second copy arrived and I began to read it several days later.

Key Gifford, the 13th devil, has an age-old prophecy hanging around his neck and he's none too happy about it. For many centuries it has been foretold that the 13th devil will be the harbinger of doom. His very existence has the ability to either: release hell and its denizens from their confines, (great news for the underworld) or, he will usher in a return of the Garden of Eden, (great news for humanity and heaven alike). Unfortunately for Key, he must be sacrificed if either of these prophecies is to come to pass.

Needless to say, Key isn't too keen on that whole “sacrificial” requirement. Consequently, he and his partner, Elizabeth Hellsing, (a member of the most well-known demon slaying family), set off in search of the Shroud of Turin. This Shroud is rumored to have the ability to change Key from demon to human; thereby destroying any possibility that either side could use his death for their own designs.

Now, one might wonder why a member of the notorious Hellsing family has aligned herself with a demon. Why not just sacrifice him and bring the benefits of Eden to earth? One might also wonder why a demon is unwilling to sacrifice himself for the cause of his fellow kind. Well, therein lies the rub. Key is no regular demon. While his origin of creation was evil, his heart is good. Because of this, Key has always sought to help humans in need; and maybe this will save his soul, (if he has one), in the process. After all, he didn't choose his life; he was merely unfortunate enough to be born into it...

With that said, “Devil 13, Book One: Chronicle,” was an interesting read; much more so than I had anticipated. Being that this is the introductory book for the “Devil 13” series, author, Kenneth D. Watson, Jr. has done a great job of leaving this installment open-ended, in preparation for book two. Within “Devil 13, Book One: Chronicle,” readers will find a unique adventure that encompasses the more fictional and mythical evils, alongside the widely accepted definitions of good and evil, heaven and hell, and God and Satan. Watson, Jr. has also done an exemplary job of bridging the many divides between these myths and beliefs, and has placed the various characters, and their actions, into realistic-to-the-story situations.

In summary, “Devil 13, Book One: Chronicle” was a well-written book. The story moved along at a nice pace and Watson, Jr. took care to provide the appropriate details and/or backstory when needed. For the genre that it falls into, (Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal), “Devil 13, Book One: Chronicle” wholly deserves the five star rating I'm giving it.

(Reviewed in association with Rebecca's Reads).
Profile Image for Ruth B.
676 reviews37 followers
April 20, 2014
The fight between good and evil is endless. It began when humans appeared on Earth and it will go on forever. But when a half-demon is born as part of a prophecy that states that either he will bring Heaven to Earth or set in motion the Armageddon the story takes a whole new level.

Devil 13 is an electrifying, exciting and full of action book with the premise of being a great series. In this book, Key (the half-demon of the prophecy) is travelling with Liz (a descendent from the Hellsing family) in search of The Shroud which seems to be the only way for Key to become fully human.

Of course the book has bad guys, in this case Abaddon and his group of devils is behind Key and his friend. These devils are really bad beings with no respect for human life. They star in some bloody scenes that surely will impress everyone around. There is another group, the Holy Knights who are this armed force commanded by the Pope.

The story is a perfect representation of the human spirit and what makes us humans. Despite being only half human, Key has a strong sense of rightness and a pure heart. On his quest for salvation he reminds us that no matter where you come from doing what is right is always a choice.

The story has a great writing style. The action scenes where we read about the fights and all have a fast but readable rhythm. Then the passing slows down a bit when we read about Key's internal dilemma. The narrator changes point of view to show all the sides in the story, which is great.Also, the cover art is amazing. I loved it and I think it captures the essence of the book perfectly. Just FYI, Devil 13 Book One – Chronicle is the first of a planned series of four books and I can’t wait to read book two.

Overall, Devil 13 is an entertaining, well written paranormal book. A refreshing story in the good versus devil battle because for now there is no angel, or angels, trying to save the world just a sweet half-demon running against time and an old prophecy.

*** I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange of an honest review. ***
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews

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