Wayward Devils

Souls of the Road #4

by Devon Monk

Cursed to follow Route 66 for nearly a hundred years, Brogan and Lula Gauge have made a deal with Cupid to find the spellbook of the gods—a book powerful enough to destroy the world.

But they aren’t the only ones looking for it.

The evil goddess, Atë, has already tried to kill them once for the book, and now Brogan and Lula must race to find it before Atë finds them and finishes the job.

Luckily, a coven of honky tonk witches in Shamrock, Texas claims to know where the book is hidden. But their information comes at a great price. Brogan and Lula must help the witches kill an ancient monster. To do so, they will have to form an alliance with an old enemy who wants the Gauges dead.

Brogan and Lula’s luck is turning, but whether it’s good or bad teeters on a knife’s trust the devils they know, or go all in with the wayward devils they’ve just met.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2024

About the author

Devon Monk is a national best selling writer of urban fantasy. Her series include Ordinary Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic and Shame and Terric. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story which can be found in her collection: A Cup of Normal, and in various anthologies. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.

Reviews

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that the author is combining two series into this story!

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really happy with the progress of Brogan and Lula's journey. It seems that they are GOING TO ORDINARY!! I cannot wait for Lula to meet the Reed sisters!! They will kick everyone's a**es for sure!

Anyway, in this installment, a coven of witches ask for Abbi's (Moon Rabbit) help, and to that extend of course Brogan and Lula, to get back one one of them (a child) who has been kidnapped by a dangerous vampire. Crow and Bathin also make their appearance as they both appeal to Brogan and Lula, to bring the powerful book (Brogan and Lula are still looking!) to Ordinary, so it could be safe from gods and other supernatural being.

It's not exactly full of action this one, except in the end where the three of them were fighting vampires. Instead it is filled of Brogan's musing about Lula's change of behavior, and how they are adjusting with Brogan now alive instead of a ghost. It's more of contemplative story. But I love it nonetheless.

Now can we have these three with the Ordinary folks, please?!?

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Souls of the Road book, we have Lula and Brogan Gauge still traveling along Route 66, along with their dog Lorde, the Moon Rabbit Abbi (in the form of a little girl), and her protector, Hado (as a kitten). Still searching for the spellbook of the gods, they end up on a side quest at the request of a coven of witches to rescue a little girl, take out an ancient monster, and end up making a deal with an enemy which might help them find the book. We have two visitors from Ordinary make an appearance, Crow and Bathin, as well as Ricky, the Crossroads, which was a delight. Lula and Brogan are struggling with the change in their circumstances after so many years, with Brogan now being made flesh and blood again. So they’re working through some things and learning to trust in each other again, which culminates in their figuring out how to work together during the mission they agree to go on. I’m really hoping the next book in the series takes place in Ordinary and mixes the two groups in an adventure, that would be great fun.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much of this one was Brogan and Lula not really sure of each other now that both were corporeal. To say they had things to work out is an understatement. It was good that Abbi was there to break things up. Her love of everything was the perfect break from brooding and uncertainty.

It was only as all three of them worked to help some witches they ran across in their travels that things worked out. They were forced to talk about things and what was off with them both. That they saved the day was a bonus.

[Narelle Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just enjoy Devon Monk's books - all the characters are there, the world she built works and now there is a fantastic collision between Ordinary and the Gauges. So intrigued to see how the Reed sisters get on with this couple. Love that Crow and Bathin have come to help out. I loved this book as much as I have all the others - it is like slipping into a well worn jacket that just fits perfectly. I'm always just a little bit sad when I read that last page and know I will have to wait a while to return to these characters. Please write fast.

[Tim McCanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this live story

Lulu and Brogan have such a wonderful love for each other that it’s carried them through horrible times and changes. Brogan finally gets a chance to show Lu what it means to him to be with her.

[John E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Urban fantasy on route 66

I fully admit to being more invested in the Ordinary series but, set in the same world, this series is a nice twist on vampires and witches and gods and fate. Having some Ordinary visitors is a pleasant surprise.

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! Always so satisfying to read these books. And for an additional bonus, we have CROW making a visit. (He's my favorite.) Ahhhh, so happy!

[Bryan Monson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncle Crow!

How is it that when reading this, the voice of Uncle Crow echos in my mind? Trickster God magic or something? I always love crossovers and am looking forward to more!