Those fleeting glimpses that send shivers down our spines and goosebumps rippling over our skin. Those split-second freeze-frames where our minds picture something terrifying, impossible to comprehend. They last for fragments of a moment until our brains catch up and process what we’ve seen.
What if they were real?
Punching the clock as the sound guy on a haunted house documentary, and in the midst of a bitter divorce, Levon Stoll thought he’d hit rock bottom.
But the job he took to pay the bills might just end up being the last one he ever has. Ghosts and ghouls are nothing compared to the horror that lurks inside the Demon House.
Now he’s set in motion a series of events that not only puts himself and his loved ones at risk but could bring about the end times.
Hell has broken loose in the small town of New Scotland. Chaos rampages through the streets and terror reigns from a throne of blood.
The devil’s face watches from the shadows, patiently waiting.
Can Lev stop this spiral towards Armageddon, or has that time already passed?
I was born and raised in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Wanting to escape life in a big city and concentrate more on working to live than living to work, I moved to the Outer Hebrides in the north-west of Scotland in 2004 and I have lived there ever since with my wife and dogs.
I write post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, dystopian and horror fiction. I’ve released fifty one books across six different series - Safe Haven, The End of Everything, Unsafe, Relentless, The Burning Tree and Scares in Scotland.
In addition, most of my titles are now available as audiobooks narrated by Kim Bretton, so if you’re one of the many people who struggle to find the time to read, you can listen on the go.
To stay up to date with all the very latest news, and to get your hands on a free book, Before Safe Haven: Alex, sign up to my newsletter here: https://BookHip.com/XPNLJH
This will be one of the hardest reviews I ever had to write. Hard in the sense that I absolutely have no idea how to rate this book. Due to things that aren't the author's fault. I'll try to go through all my thoughts and see if at the end of my review I come to some sort of rating.
This book isn't just a horror. It's also a bit of a romance, someone's life's story and very character driven. And the book starts incredibly strong. In the first two chapters we follow Katie's and Nolly's story. Both haunted by a creepy face and creature that slowly takes them over. That thrives on their insecurities and takes advantage of those. I loved the tension and how the chapters were built. I loved how spooky it was and I liked the sort of open ending of Katie's story.
After that we meet the main characters of this story. Levon Stoll and Anna both had experiences as a child where they saw a face that haunted them. Anna's story is horrifying where the creature whispers 'you can't run away' and crawls all over her. Claiming her as his. She luckily escapes it. And now Levon and Anna are a part of a crew that will film a paranormal program called The Haunted and The Hallowed. The first episode will be about The Demon House. And the two of them scout ahead and enter the house before filming. It's rumored that the house is built on a gateway to hell. And while they are there creepy things happen. Which set in motion crucial story lines and horrifying events that catapult the story forwards.
Then the sort of non-creepy middle part of the book starts. It's quite a long part and I must admit I wasn't really invested in it. This is horror and I didn't expect such a long and slow middle part where not a lot happens. In the first part I couldn't stop listening, I listened to the audible version of this book, and in this middle part I kinda had to force myself to continue listening.
And in that part we meet, I listened to the audible book and I am not sure how to write her name, Eileen, Tailin, Tylene? And this has absolutely nothing to do with the character. And I think it has to do with the fact that I am on the autism spectrum. So this is a me thing, not an author or narrator thing. But the voice the narrator used for that character was excruciating for me. It was a voice where the narrator spoke the words in an elongated way. The words were stretched long and it affected me deeply. It felt like nails on a chalkboard. And as she pronounced the words longer and slower, the more it screeched in my mind and I had to stop listening to the story. And her chapters were loooooooong. And she becomes such an important character. But I couldn't listen to her for more than a few minutes. Do any of you know the window of tolerance they use in therapy sessions? You have to stay between the lines so you are in control of your emotions and can handle the day? Every time the narrator used that voice I got overwhelmed, was stressed out and on high alert. Thrown completely out of my window of tolerance.
So when she enters the story, and we enter that slow, more romantic middle part. I just had to force myself to continue listening. I continued because I got a copy of this audible book from the author and I don't take that job lightly. When I say yes to a book I always finish it. But that voice, it instantly stressed me out and it affected me the entire day.
It wasn't fun. It really took something out of me. And I want to emphasize that this has nothing to do with the book. Or the narrator. I think it's a me thing. I am very sensitive to sounds and that voice was a sound that screeched in my head. And I am not gonna let that fact affect my rating of this book. But I do want to point it out. And maybe warn more autistic people, or people sensitive to sounds, that this is an issue I encountered while listening to this book. And I want to be open and honest about it.
The last part of the book, even though I had to listen to that excruciating voice, was really strong. I loved the creepiness and the fight they had. I loved Azelophet's voice. That was brilliantly done.
And the very last part of Anna. My god that broke my heart. I am so incredibly grateful that Levon did what he did for Anna. It reminded me a little bit of a scene in a game where you have to make a similar choice. And I choose the same action in that game as Levon takes. The ending was really, really strong.
So the book has really, really strong parts. I think the middle part should have had a faster pace. And because it was so long. It kinda overshadowed the strong parts a little bit.
But, another but. Because I struggled so much with that one voice. I think it might have affected how I experienced that middle part. I think I wasn't able to enjoy that middle part because I was constantly overstressed and out of my window. I really want to read a physical copy of this book and adjust my rating after I read it. Because I think I will enjoy a physical copy way more than I enjoyed the audible version of this book.
So this entire review, well the part about the middle part, might be total rubbish by me. And I might love it when I can read it as a book.
So I think I'll settle on 3.5 stars for now. And adjust it in the future when I am ready to read it instead of listening to it. The start and ending were top notch. So 3.5 overall from, for now.
Does Hell actually exist? The human construct, probably not, but there are numerous other dimensions surrounding our universe. In one such dimension lives a creature far more terrifying than our own devilish construct. Its name is Azelophet, a creature empowered by human misery, frailty, and fear. He can reach our level of existence through a portal in time and space and can materialise in our world when individuals are at their emotional weakest, with susceptible victims becoming either suicidal or murderous. This is the story of a group of rock star occultists who attempt to entrap Azelophet in our realm in order to enrich themselves beyond imagination. Naturally, things don't go to plan. Enjoy this roller coaster ride of fear, mayhem, and death, through the eyes of two members of the rock fraternity
This book is scary and creepy at its finest. I’ll suggest that when you are reading this book do so in the day time with all of the lights on, it is not recommended to read or listen to this book at night time.
This book takes place in Scotland where there is an ancient evil that preys on people. Of course no evil place wouldn’t be without their headquarters being a building that was used as a church so long ago. It takes a band of people who have experience with this kind of entity to bring it down.
What I enjoyed most about this book is the small town with the likable characters. This author does an amazing job with the development of the characters and the story overall. The plot was superb and honestly why I enjoyed the book.
One thing I’ll recommend is when you decide to read this book is to look up how this story came about and it’ll creep you out. They always say behind every story is a bit of truth. The best way to describe this book is a very slow burn I assure you once the action happens you will not want to put it down.
If you want to be spooked out while also listening or reading to an amazing story that is scary, creepy , disturbing, graphic, and will make you question your own reality. This is the book for you! Definitely give it a listen.
Christopher Artinian was gracious enough to allow me to listen to this on audible thank you so much. I decided to try some immersion reading with this book and let’s just say I was transported to the book in real time. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all the opinions expressed are my own.
I don’t often read blurbs before diving into a book. Sure, the covers give me a general vibe. Sometimes, I hear things about them on social media. But I often jump in with both feet and very little information. I assumed this one would be a possession horror novel. I wasn’t wrong. But I was unprepared for the terrifying events or the characters I would fall in love with.
The Devil’s Face started with indescribable creepiness. The first few scenes seem unrelated to the story until much later, but they stuck in my head all the while. Imagine the worst thing that could happen to a family, and Artinian portrays it in the most deliciously gory of ways.
Lev and Anna are two strangers who end up on a job together. That job involves filming scenes in a notorious haunted house. When they experience actual supernatural events, Anna flees, and Lev is left to deal with the consequences.
The chapters between the horror are slower in pace, not in a way that diverts from the tension, but actually serves to build it. Lev’s backstory is further explained. The traumatic events that occurred in Anna’s childhood are revealed. Though Lev likes to present himself as a bit of a jerk, he’s a kind person just trying to survive like everyone else.
Regardless of what the characters are dealing with, one thing is for sure. There is something very wrong with that house.
While Lev is figuring out how he will get out of the town he’s found himself stuck in and enjoying the company of the local sheriff, Lev’s best friend fears for his safety. She works to uncover what kind of evil resides in the house in order to aid Lev. She consults someone who seems absolutely out of their mind, and this is where the lore gets interesting.
I assumed the possession was the result of something Satanic or religious. Instead, the explanation is intricate, thought-provoking, and downright scary.
The crescendo of this tale was absolutely bonkers. Everything in the town goes haywire, and I devoured the gruesome scenarios, the diabolical events, the cacophony of unholy incidents.
I highly recommend the audiobook as the narrator used a voice changer for some of the possession occurrences, and it sounded absolutely sinister. Kim Bretton did a fantastic job narrating different character voices and delivering tense scenes with fantastic pacing.
The Devil’s Face brings together excellent character work with an idea of possession that is unique and brilliantly twisted—a tale that kept me engaged at all times. For fans of haunted house romps or possession tales, this is a must-read. The characters that will win your heart over are the cherry on top.
Wow! Just wow! 🤩 The devil’s face scared the hell out of me! This is a top-notch spine-chilling horror novel, filled with suspense and dread and unputdownable until the very end. Right from the start horrifying scenes, so gruesome and dark.. This is scary AF material! 😅 I just wish I could say more about it without spoiling, but believe me when I say this is pure evil and fuel for nightmares. 😱
Christopher Artininan really knows how to chill you to your bones with this malevolent force Azelophet in the small town of New Scotland.
With this book I found out that to me there’s nothing more scary than people you know and love changing into this devilish, murderous creature from hell. Scenes where children getting harmed are involved always hit me right in the feels and guess what.. No one is safe in this one.. 🥲 That sort of family drama is so terrifying to me, but I’m reading horror because I love that tense feeling of impending doom at the same time, so you won’t hear me complain about it. 😉 I just like being freaked out apparently. 🤷🏻♀️😂
The overall story is solidly build, everything makes perfect sense and it will all come together in a great ending. The characters are well build, likable, relatable and they have a great sense of humor. More than once I found myself chuckling and there’s even some romance to be found. I loved the way the narrator handled everything in the audiobook, especially the occurring accents. Kim Bretton, you did a wonderful job as a narrator, kudos! 🙌🏼
After listening The devil’s face I am very excited for the other books by this author. I would definitely recommend it and would advise you to read it in broad daylight. 😜
I was graciously sent an audible code by the author for The Devil's Face audiobook and boy did it absolutely deliver on every level. Christopher Artinian is a new to me author and now a favorite. I will absolutely be checking out his other works in the near future. This book had me completely transfixed from the moment I started it. Kim Bretton was an absolutely PERFECT narrator for this story! From her transitioning between different accents to her instilling a fear that overtakes your entire body. I can't recommend this book high enough. I really can't do this review or book the justice that it deserves. Christopher Artinian is a master at his craft and does horror EXTREMELY well.
The Devil's Face follows Lev our MMC. Lev takes on a job investigating an old property with some deeply chilling history. If you love being terrified and the adrenaline that comes with it, then this book will definitely cover your needs there and then some. There was some very grotesque and haunting imagery portrayed in this story that gave me goosebumps and had me turning the lights on. There's a scene with rats and parasitic worms that really did me in. It felt like I was there experiencing this in real time as if I was there myself.
Give this book a read if you call yourself an avid Horror Fan. You won't be disappointed in the least. Trust me.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'s for Devil's Face by @christopherartinian This is a story of horror, of being terrorised by memories from the past. The book follows the main character, Lev, who has taken on a job to investigate a haunted property that doesn't go according to plan. This is a gory read in parts, I particularly liked the rat scene and the parasitic worm scene (I am a huge lover of the disgusting, and I adore rats and parasitic worms in real life). It's a great horror story that plays on your greatest fears.
Christopher Artinian is one of my favorite authors in the zompoc genre, but he's also an overall great author and this book proves it. The first chapter is full on scary, with horrors that will stick with me for a long time.
The main part of the book follows Lev Stoll, a down on his luck sound guy going through a nasty divorce. He has been hired to work on a haunted house documentary, but he gets much more than he bargained for! The small town of New Scotland soon has to contend with the evil that is unleashed when Lev and his co-worker enter the local Demon House to start filming.
I enjoy the way that the author mixes horror with normal human interaction and this book has just the right amount of that. Great character development, from the teenager obsessed with Lev's rockstar friend, Jody, to Lev and his blossoming relationship with the local sheriff, you will come to view the cast of characters as friends, not just people in a book.
I especially enjoyed the characters of Tailin and Victor. Tailin is just a wonderfully weird woman with true knowledge of the Occult that has been unleashed. And, Victor's humorous use of weapons had me laughing out loud. Also, the bathroom scene with one character will truly make your skin crawl, so be warned!
The narrator, Kim Bretton, is also one of my favorites and her performance in this book will send shivers down your spine and make you look behind you as you listen. The extra sound effects are perfect and really added a lot to the book without being overdone.
Prepare yourself for some truly horrific moments, but also some very poignant ones as the characters deal with the Devil's Face. If you enjoy a well-written horror book with great characters and plenty of terrifying moments, you will enjoy this one.
First of all I would like to thank Christopher Artinian for providing me with an advance review copy of his audiobook narrated by Kim Bretton for free, so please note that I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'll first start by saying I typically am not an audiobook fan however Kim Bretton knocked it out of the park. Each character was given unique voices which made listening super easy, the audio effects added made the story so much creepier and her pacing was phenomenal. Easily the best audiobook I've listened to to date.
Now, for the book itself.. MY GAWD. I really enjoyed this one. Christopher throws you right into the action in Chapter one and when you think things cannot get more intense they ramp up into full blown pandemonium. The story flowed beautifully, it's so well written and there's a diverse cast of characters who had me laughing. I won't give away spoilers but Victor and Jodi had me giggling on a few occasions. (Spelling of names might be wrong since I listened to the names). The ending had me heartbroken and I loved how there were no plot holes or lose ends. I finished that book completely satisfied with the conclusion which doesn't happen often! I could see this becoming a full blown universe.
I recommend giving this one a go if you love horror. Maybe check some trigger warnings since there were a few scenes I could see upsetting people. The book is DARK in all the best ways.
I look forward to reading more by this author and this one will for sure be a reread for me in the future.
This is a dead ahead supernatural thriller that'll have you reading with the lights on. From the very first chapter you know you're in for a hell of a ride... literally!
The book takes place in a small town as a music producer takes a gig to do the sound for a new ghost hunting show. But what they find in the basement of the house during an exploratory walkthrough is unleashed and it's not long before people's greatest fears and nightmares are brought back causing them to do horrific things to others and themselves. They will never be the same again.
This novel features several characters, all of whom have things in their past they've hidden away as best as they can. Anna's story, for me, was so richly dark and disturbing that I had to turn the light on! But these characters have all experienced terrifying events which makes them prime targets for this evil that's been unleashed.
I was happily tearing my way through this book as the scares keep coming with short intervals to examine the characters yet it never dragged or detoured from the horrifying main narrative. This one is great if you're looking for a truly disturbing supernatural thril ride. I highly recommend it.
Just finished The Devil's Face by Christopher Artinian, and I’m still reeling! This book pulls you in from the first chapter and doesn’t let go. It follows Lev, a guy who takes on a mysterious job investigating an old, creepy property—and let me tell you, things go from bad to worse fast. The haunting atmosphere, the sinister house, and the terrifying secrets it hides? Absolutely chilling.
There’s this one part with rats that made my skin crawl, and the parasitic worm scene? Let’s just say I’m sleeping with the lights on for a while. Artinian has a way of making you feel like you’re right there with Lev, facing every horrifying moment. And even with all the terror, there’s this dry humor sprinkled in that gives you a little breather before the next scare hits.
If you love horror that’s dark, fast-paced, and totally unputdownable, grab this book. Seriously, it’s a wild ride!
This is not the usual story by Artinian but he does it yet again giving the reader a top notch horror tale. Lev had seen this face for years and after he enters the Black House which has a deadly history, the nightmares return. Unknown by him a satanic cult is trying to release the demon Azelophet and when he replays the recording from inside the house the small town of New Scotland, Tennessee and it's citizens are about to pay the price. Some people are driven by a murderous rage and innocents are slaughtered. Lev has people in town he has grown to care about and will do anything to save them and the town. Can he and a small group stop this horror or are they bound to fail? You will have to read this edge of your seat read to find out.
By page twelve, my jaw was on the floor, I was scared for my life, and I almost had to stop reading. I did for a few minutes, but I’m a true reader, and a book this good had to be read in its entirety.
The rest of the novel was just as good as those first twelve, horrifying, dynamic, chill you to the core pages. Every character will burn into your mind, and the ones you truly get attached to make you even more afraid to keep reading!
I think I’ve made my point… This is one heck of a book. I think it would possibly give even Stephen King nightmares. Read it - with the lights on. And tell me if you get to page twelve without questioning your own ability to handle something so terrifying.
Audiobook: The story sent chills up my spine as it unfolded. I admired the descriptive language which painted pictures in my mind. I was horrified by some of the scenes. The prologue let me know that this was a horror story; however, the story itself was the kind of horror that slowly developed overtime until the crescendo at the end. I liked how caring Levon Stoll was in spite of the circumstances going on in his life. I thought Kim Bretton's narration was awesome as her performance delivered the emotional impact of the story. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
That first chapter. What an opening! That's going to stay with me and worm it's way into my dreams I reckon. This is a well written story, with well written developed characters who you feel like you know. You learn their past and present and very much fear for their future. There's an array of characters in this one which I always find enjoyable as it makes the story more fast paced, which is deffo needed in this type of chatioc horror.
This is one you'll want to read with the lights on, and one that I think could give the King of Horror: Mr Stephen King, a run for his money. That's all I need to say really isn't it? You want horror? Make it this one.
3.5⭐️ rounded up. Did I like the story? Yes. Did it take forever to finish? Also yes. So here’s the thing—the character development was great. The story flowed great. BUT—this wasn’t a book that I couldn’t wait to get back to. Like, I found myself starting and finishing other books within this time. I can only describe this book as an ebb and flow kinda story. I was totally engrossed, yet super uncommitted. Again—great story, great writing. Would I recommend? Yeah. Will I be willingly entertaining a chance for a paranormal experience moving forward (i.e. ghost hunting)? Maybe not.
I loved all of the characters, story, just everything. Artinian is my absolute favorite author. He writes intelligent and funny characters. He writes them with heart. His stories grab you from the first word and this one is no exception. Lev, Beth, Enola, Jody and the others are all such believable and likable characters. This is a book unlike other stories and yet it has so much throwback homage paid to classic horror films. If you love horror you’ll love this too! Kim Bretton did an amazing job narrating but that’s to be expected from her! Love her too
As a huge fan of Chris’s work, I’m never surprised by the level of talent he brings to different genres. As someone who appreciates all things gory, I can say that Chris has created some of the best ones I’ve come across in this book.
Kim’s narration and production value exceed even her already high standards.
It’s going to be really hard to top this one. It’s already my favorite read of the year. The highest of recommendations for all of Chris’s series and standalone novels/audiobooks 5stars
It’s one of those stories that starts strong and just does not let up. eerie atmosphere, pacing, and some disturbing moments.
The mythology was really interesting — it hints at a much bigger world behind the horror, and I’d love a follow-up set in the same universe. There’s definitely more story to tell. And yeah… poor Anna. That part stuck with me.
If you like horror that doesn’t tie things up neatly and leaves your brain buzzing, definitely check this one out.
wow, looks like i’ll be sleeping with the light on for a while. I devoured this book, I literally could not put it down. If you’re of a nervous disposition i suggest not reading it on a night when you’re alone. Love all the characters and the story line is brilliant. Would definitely recommend reading to anyone who likes a horror story.
Christopher Artinia. Is the new Stephen King, His Horror Stories are more than Horror, this one especially, the Exorcist, is tame in comparison, from the first few pages to the epilogue, is a shivering, shrieking, tale of horror unbelievable. Worthy of being made into a movie.
I had so much fun with this one! Although, I had to stop reading it before bed cause ya girl had nightmares about a face watching me sleep TWO nights in a row. Automatic 5⭐️ there lol
Between the frightening imagery and the dark humor sprinkled throughout, I loved this book! There was a lot to unpack with this one, but it’s worth the ride. Highly recommend!
I loved this, the way it drew you in, the plot grows very well l was hooked,. Then romance has to appear, then it became confer looted as the story went on
I was not put off, unduly as it added to the theme of the story
The reason l didn't give 5 stars, it became horror to love stories
This book gave me serious chills and raised the hair on my arms, amazingly creepy and a fantastic read, I loved the characters, I hope they popped again. Kim went above and beyond for this book and really brought out the other-worldliness and that 'voice' was absolutely unbelievable. Thank you Christopher for introducing me to a new interest in reading.
I enjoyed the story. I also enjoyed the banter between Beth and lev. Usually writers go overboard to show how much they click with each other and how funny they are but this was the perfect amount.
I'm not really into demons because they just freak me out, but I really liked this book. The characters are put through their worst nightmares. The town is put through hell. Christopher Artinian does horror well. Pick it up today..
The story seemed to slide just over a meaning. The characters were pretty well developed but not enough to really inspire and give strength to the story. I had to make myself finish this book. I never got that “can’t wait to get back to the story” feeling.
This book is so good! I felt such a connection to the characters, the interactions between was natural and I even laughed out loud once. It grabs you right away and holds on throughout!
Absolutely loved this book! Proper horror and scares galore. Not one to read before bedtime and at times spine tingling and hair raising! Loved it! Thanks Chris