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The Devil Has Spoken
The year is 2020 and lockdown is upon us. Someone has created a virus that doesn’t discriminate. Find out who.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 10, 2025
This short read follows multiple people at the start of the 2020 lock down. I found it interesting to read but a bit difficult in holding my attention.
I appreciate Rowanvale for providing a free copy to review and there was no expectation of a review.
I appreciate Rowanvale for providing a free copy to review and there was no expectation of a review.
February 27, 2025
The Devil Has Spoken by Emma Kennedy is an interesting novel that follows several people during the early days of the COVID pandemic when lockdowns were starting. Each person described in this novel has personality traits that make isolation more difficult than for the average person. Like many, each of these characters struggles in their new routines.
“It had become a privilege to get a place in the supermarket, or at least that’s how it felt. Social distancing. That was a new concept. Social spacing she thought it should be called. But whatever—she would obey the rules. She would socially distance herself from others when she went to the shop, although it would be hard given the tiny size of the place! And she would queue if she had to. Everything felt very strange. Was someone in control of the planet? Was this a warning? Why are we all so distanced? The devil knew the reason.”
One of the people introduced in this novel is Eleanor. Eleanor’s struggles during the lockdown will be many, especially with her underlying depression. Her depression is worsened by her living situation. Eleanor lives at home with her parents, and her father is abusive. Kennedy does a fine job of highlighting that situation, as it was not uncommon during the early days of the pandemic for people to be forced to isolate from their abusers. Eleanor continues to struggle with her mental health.
Her friend, Elizabeth, is a very different character, and shortly into this novel, it becomes clear that Elizabeth is someone who lacks compassion and empathy. She seems plagued by superficial things in life, fine things, reality television, and anything that doesn’t fit her schedule, which completely irritates her and causes a bit of a tantrum. She also makes jokes about people regarding trivial things, their looks, or the way they dress or walk, and if Eleanor doesn’t laugh, Elizabeth finds fault with Eleanor, not herself.
Their mutual acquaintance, Graham, had his own challenges before and during the lockdown. Graham comes off as shy and insecure, making him a target for some of Elizabeth’s jokes. He keeps himself occupied by doing what many people did during those early days of the pandemic: puzzles. He also enjoys his rock collection and watching nature documentaries.
While he wanted to approach Eleanor the last time he saw her out, he couldn’t manage it. In the early days of the lockdown, he was afflicted with a toothache, and no dental care was available.
Several other characters are introduced throughout the novel, all of them struggling with different issues and insecurities. Kennedy does a nice job of providing readers with many relatable situations during that historic and life-changing time. A well-written look back at a time that we can never forget.
“It had become a privilege to get a place in the supermarket, or at least that’s how it felt. Social distancing. That was a new concept. Social spacing she thought it should be called. But whatever—she would obey the rules. She would socially distance herself from others when she went to the shop, although it would be hard given the tiny size of the place! And she would queue if she had to. Everything felt very strange. Was someone in control of the planet? Was this a warning? Why are we all so distanced? The devil knew the reason.”
One of the people introduced in this novel is Eleanor. Eleanor’s struggles during the lockdown will be many, especially with her underlying depression. Her depression is worsened by her living situation. Eleanor lives at home with her parents, and her father is abusive. Kennedy does a fine job of highlighting that situation, as it was not uncommon during the early days of the pandemic for people to be forced to isolate from their abusers. Eleanor continues to struggle with her mental health.
Her friend, Elizabeth, is a very different character, and shortly into this novel, it becomes clear that Elizabeth is someone who lacks compassion and empathy. She seems plagued by superficial things in life, fine things, reality television, and anything that doesn’t fit her schedule, which completely irritates her and causes a bit of a tantrum. She also makes jokes about people regarding trivial things, their looks, or the way they dress or walk, and if Eleanor doesn’t laugh, Elizabeth finds fault with Eleanor, not herself.
Their mutual acquaintance, Graham, had his own challenges before and during the lockdown. Graham comes off as shy and insecure, making him a target for some of Elizabeth’s jokes. He keeps himself occupied by doing what many people did during those early days of the pandemic: puzzles. He also enjoys his rock collection and watching nature documentaries.
While he wanted to approach Eleanor the last time he saw her out, he couldn’t manage it. In the early days of the lockdown, he was afflicted with a toothache, and no dental care was available.
Several other characters are introduced throughout the novel, all of them struggling with different issues and insecurities. Kennedy does a nice job of providing readers with many relatable situations during that historic and life-changing time. A well-written look back at a time that we can never forget.
January 17, 2025
I had high hopes for Emma Kennedy’s ‘The Devil Has Spoken,’ but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot, while ambitious, felt overly shallow and cliché. In the beginning, Kennedy attempts to explore complex ideas and themes; however, the writing struggles to keep up with this.
The writing appears melodramatic, with almost every page coming off as unnatural or forced, which regrettably detracts from the narrative's intended impact. The dialogue and descriptions also felt exaggerated, creating moments that shattered my immersion. For example, for characters intended to be intimidating, the use of vocabulary such as 'laugh out loud' felt out of place. The book's repetitive phrasing also contributed to a lack of clarity and conciseness. Considering its fascinating description and genre, I had expected a more nuanced approach in tone.
Many stylistic choices, such as not using italics for thoughts, made the novel difficult to engage with. The characters were exciting but were quickly rendered shallow with oddly informative descriptions. I did not get a chance to get to know these characters, and I would have preferred information about them to have been seamlessly integrated throughout the narrative. The twists were predictable, and alas, I found myself anticipating the ending.
Overall, the novel triggered a bittersweet nostalgia for the 2020 lockdown period and was very realistic in that sense. Though, the 'hamartia' of this novel, with intriguing themes and premise, lay in the writing.
So, if you’re seeking a thriller that truly challenges your perceptions, The Devil Has Spoken may not be the best choice. I appreciate Rowanvale Books for providing me with a free copy, though I must express my honest thoughts on the book!
The writing appears melodramatic, with almost every page coming off as unnatural or forced, which regrettably detracts from the narrative's intended impact. The dialogue and descriptions also felt exaggerated, creating moments that shattered my immersion. For example, for characters intended to be intimidating, the use of vocabulary such as 'laugh out loud' felt out of place. The book's repetitive phrasing also contributed to a lack of clarity and conciseness. Considering its fascinating description and genre, I had expected a more nuanced approach in tone.
Many stylistic choices, such as not using italics for thoughts, made the novel difficult to engage with. The characters were exciting but were quickly rendered shallow with oddly informative descriptions. I did not get a chance to get to know these characters, and I would have preferred information about them to have been seamlessly integrated throughout the narrative. The twists were predictable, and alas, I found myself anticipating the ending.
Overall, the novel triggered a bittersweet nostalgia for the 2020 lockdown period and was very realistic in that sense. Though, the 'hamartia' of this novel, with intriguing themes and premise, lay in the writing.
So, if you’re seeking a thriller that truly challenges your perceptions, The Devil Has Spoken may not be the best choice. I appreciate Rowanvale Books for providing me with a free copy, though I must express my honest thoughts on the book!
January 17, 2025
As an avid fan of psychological thrillers, The Devil Has Spoken by Emma Kennedy is exactly what I was hoping for: a gripping, mysterious, and suspenseful ride from start to finish. Kennedy excels at creating an atmosphere that keeps you on edge, with a plot that unravels layer by layer, drawing you deeper into its complex web.
The novel offers an insightful exploration into the darker corners of human nature, delving into the secrets we hide and the lengths we go to protect them. With every turn of the page, the characters' hidden motives slowly begin to surface, and you find yourself questioning who to trust and what’s real. The suspense is palpable, and Kennedy does an excellent job of keeping you hooked with the subtle, yet steady, reveal of the story’s mysteries.
The slow-burn nature of the secrets being unraveled only adds to the tension. Just when you think you have it figured out, there’s another twist, keeping you invested until the very last page. The blend of psychological depth and thrilling suspense makes this a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery.
If you love psychological thrillers that challenge your perceptions and keep you guessing, The Devil Has Spoken is a book you won’t want to miss.
Thank you to Rowanvale Books for providing me a copy. I have left my review voluntarily.
The novel offers an insightful exploration into the darker corners of human nature, delving into the secrets we hide and the lengths we go to protect them. With every turn of the page, the characters' hidden motives slowly begin to surface, and you find yourself questioning who to trust and what’s real. The suspense is palpable, and Kennedy does an excellent job of keeping you hooked with the subtle, yet steady, reveal of the story’s mysteries.
The slow-burn nature of the secrets being unraveled only adds to the tension. Just when you think you have it figured out, there’s another twist, keeping you invested until the very last page. The blend of psychological depth and thrilling suspense makes this a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery.
If you love psychological thrillers that challenge your perceptions and keep you guessing, The Devil Has Spoken is a book you won’t want to miss.
Thank you to Rowanvale Books for providing me a copy. I have left my review voluntarily.
October 17, 2025
The Devil Has Spoken
by Emma Kennedy
I received a complimentary copy from Rowanvale Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The Devil Has Spoken by Emma Kennedy offers an interesting concept. A series of interwoven lives at the start of the 2020 lockdown, each shaped by loneliness, fear, and uncertainty. The idea of following multiple perspectives during such a defining time is compelling, and Kennedy captures the strange tension and unease of those first pandemic days well.
However, while the themes are strong, the execution feels uneven. The pacing drifts, and despite glimpses of emotional insight, particularly through Eleanor’s struggles with depression and her toxic home life, the narrative doesn’t quite hold the reader’s attention throughout. Some characters, like Elizabeth and Graham, are memorable but feel underdeveloped, leaving their stories feeling more like snapshots than arcs.
Still, Kennedy’s writing shines in moments of quiet reflection, especially when she captures the isolation and surreal normalcy of lockdown life. It’s a book with heart and relevance, even if it doesn’t fully reach its potential.
An introspective read for those interested in human connection under pressure, though it may leave some readers wanting more emotional depth and cohesion.
by Emma Kennedy
I received a complimentary copy from Rowanvale Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The Devil Has Spoken by Emma Kennedy offers an interesting concept. A series of interwoven lives at the start of the 2020 lockdown, each shaped by loneliness, fear, and uncertainty. The idea of following multiple perspectives during such a defining time is compelling, and Kennedy captures the strange tension and unease of those first pandemic days well.
However, while the themes are strong, the execution feels uneven. The pacing drifts, and despite glimpses of emotional insight, particularly through Eleanor’s struggles with depression and her toxic home life, the narrative doesn’t quite hold the reader’s attention throughout. Some characters, like Elizabeth and Graham, are memorable but feel underdeveloped, leaving their stories feeling more like snapshots than arcs.
Still, Kennedy’s writing shines in moments of quiet reflection, especially when she captures the isolation and surreal normalcy of lockdown life. It’s a book with heart and relevance, even if it doesn’t fully reach its potential.
An introspective read for those interested in human connection under pressure, though it may leave some readers wanting more emotional depth and cohesion.
February 12, 2025
The year is 2020 and lockdown is upon us. I must admit that I was hooked right from the start, as the pandemic has left such a powerful impression on me. The author had the brilliant idea of creating a story in which the devil is in the spotlight, having create a virus that wreaks havoc. Please be aware, the book contains obscene language, as well as references to themes that might represent potential triggers, such as suicide. Other from that, it delivers a complex idea, with a cast of characters that can definitely be seen as interesting. No predictable twists in my opinion, I really liked the direction in which it went, and even though I could anticipate the ending, I still loved it. I think it will remind everyone of the lockdown period, I think the author did an excellent job portraying the atmosphere of that period. A thriller that challenges you in more ways than you might imagine. I received a free copy of this book from Rowanvale Books, but the opinion I posted is my own and not biased in any way.
February 6, 2025
I received a free copy of this book from Rowanvale Books, and I'm happy to share my honest review below.
The Devil Has Spoken is a gothic novella set against the backdrop of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020. It presents a realistic picture of the period from a fictional point of view. The characters are intriguing, but they lacked definition and seemed out of place to me. Despite this, I appreciate the author’s take on this challenging period in recent history.
The Devil Has Spoken is a gothic novella set against the backdrop of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020. It presents a realistic picture of the period from a fictional point of view. The characters are intriguing, but they lacked definition and seemed out of place to me. Despite this, I appreciate the author’s take on this challenging period in recent history.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews