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The River #7
The Diablo Horror
Diablo is a small company town – twenty nondescript homes, tucked against a cliff at the base of a huge dam. These houses are all the same, except for one – the one haunted by a bloody and horrific crime that replays again and again.
Steven tries to wrap up the deal he made with a demon before rescuing his son from St. Thomas. This leads Steven to the Diablo house with his father and son. Unprepared for the powerful entities inside the house, Steven soon learns he’s made a fatal mistake. Eliza joins them as they attempt to battle the most evil force they've ever encountered.
In one of the most chilling books of The River series, Steven, Roy, and Eliza learn that when it comes to making a deal with a demon, there’s one unfortunate truth:
Demons lie.
The Diablo Horror is the seventh book in the best-selling River series.
Steven tries to wrap up the deal he made with a demon before rescuing his son from St. Thomas. This leads Steven to the Diablo house with his father and son. Unprepared for the powerful entities inside the house, Steven soon learns he’s made a fatal mistake. Eliza joins them as they attempt to battle the most evil force they've ever encountered.
In one of the most chilling books of The River series, Steven, Roy, and Eliza learn that when it comes to making a deal with a demon, there’s one unfortunate truth:
Demons lie.
The Diablo Horror is the seventh book in the best-selling River series.
- GenresParanormalHorrorGhosts
220 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2014
47 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Michael Richan
55 books129 followersMichael Richan lives in Washington State. He has written horror fiction for over forty years.
He's the author of several best selling series, including "The River," 'The Downwinders," and "The Dark River." All are set within The River universe.
He's also the author of other best selling titles such as "The Haunting of Pitmon House", "The Coldwater Haunting", and "The Seances".
Visit michaelrichan.com to learn more about the series and to see a suggested reading order. Follow Michael via email and receive the free novella "Residual". You can also follow him via Twitter @michaelrichan.
He's the author of several best selling series, including "The River," 'The Downwinders," and "The Dark River." All are set within The River universe.
He's also the author of other best selling titles such as "The Haunting of Pitmon House", "The Coldwater Haunting", and "The Seances".
Visit michaelrichan.com to learn more about the series and to see a suggested reading order. Follow Michael via email and receive the free novella "Residual". You can also follow him via Twitter @michaelrichan.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 8, 2014
4.5 stars.
THE DIABLO HORROR is, in my opinion, the most complex story in the RIVER series, to date. Although each book has enough background information to be read as a stand-alone, I would personally suggest reading EXIMERE, THE SUICIDE FOREST, and THE DEVIL'S THROAT before this one; only as this story carries on from the events that transpired through those others. I feel the reader will get more out of the intricacies of the plot, having read the detailed accounts of those previous stories.
The demon that Steven deals with in this installment is bad enough, but the Diablo Horror was particularly disturbing, to me. This book honestly took me by complete surprise, as Michael Richan has gone above and beyond expectations in the crafting of this horrific, emotional, and riveting tale. This is one that will leave your mouth agape until the very ending! The theme of revenge is particularly prevalent here, and the horror notched up yet again.
This series (and its offshoot, THE DOWNWINDERS), have rocketed to the top of my 'must read as soon as released' pile.
Highly recommended!
THE DIABLO HORROR is, in my opinion, the most complex story in the RIVER series, to date. Although each book has enough background information to be read as a stand-alone, I would personally suggest reading EXIMERE, THE SUICIDE FOREST, and THE DEVIL'S THROAT before this one; only as this story carries on from the events that transpired through those others. I feel the reader will get more out of the intricacies of the plot, having read the detailed accounts of those previous stories.
The demon that Steven deals with in this installment is bad enough, but the Diablo Horror was particularly disturbing, to me. This book honestly took me by complete surprise, as Michael Richan has gone above and beyond expectations in the crafting of this horrific, emotional, and riveting tale. This is one that will leave your mouth agape until the very ending! The theme of revenge is particularly prevalent here, and the horror notched up yet again.
This series (and its offshoot, THE DOWNWINDERS), have rocketed to the top of my 'must read as soon as released' pile.
Highly recommended!
October 30, 2014
The Diablo Horror picks up where The Devils Throat left off. Steven tries to wrap up a deal that he made with Aka Mahan before he rescued his son Jason from St. Thomas. The demon convinced Steven to make a new deal that will save the life's of his father and their good friend Eliza. The demon wants Steven to retrieve a list of magical objects. Steven is not moving as fast as the demon would like. It turns out that Eliza is in the hospital near death and will remain that way until Steven completes his task. This lead Steven to Diablo house with his father and son. The group is unprepared to face one of the most powerful entities that they have ever faced. Death is knocking on the door and Steven will face his worst nightmare ever. To me this is the most powerful book in the River Series. Michael Richan is a good writer and a excellent storyteller. I would highly recommend this book.
August 30, 2014
From the Devil’s Throat to The Diablo Horror
Is the cost of one life worth the loss of another?
The Diablo Horror picks up where the Devil’s Throat ends. Demon Aka Manah has convinced Steven to make a deal with him to save the lives of his father, Roy, and dear friend Eliza. But Steven doesn’t move fast enough – so now Eliza is in the hospital near death, and will remain that way until Steven does his bidding. Steven cannot fulfill his obligation himself, and is bound to secrecy so he must be careful in obtaining the help he needs to see it through. Every step Steven takes, he has to jump through hoops, make promises, and pay heavily. Aka Manah prays on Steven’s vulnerability to save Eliza, but the cost is far beyond what he ever imagined. After Steven delivers, and Eliza is saved, he has no choice but to confess why he had to agree to Aka Manah’s deal. The aftermath of this experience is nothing less than catastrophic, but it is not over. Vohuman, another demon approaches Steven with a way to get even with Aka Manah. He tells Steven what Aka Mahan actually did, and offers the opportunity to get revenge. Can this demon be trusted? Does Steven have any choice? Who can Steven trust outside his small circle to make sure Vohuman will live up to his end of the bargain? Will this deal bring peace to all involved?
Once again the author fills the book with page turning excitement. Friends and enemies both old and new bring depth to a story line that will have you losing sleep to find out what is next. As said at the beginning of the review, Diablo Horror is a continuation of Devil’s Throat, but is strong enough to stand alone. All the books in the series can stand up to being read singularly, but, I cannot imagine why you would want to. The entire series is rich with fresh new ideas, scary plots, and exciting characters. Many authors writing an extensive series tend to repeat story lines, and get lazy with character development. You will not find that here! Before I read this book, I took the opportunity to re-read the entire series. It was definitely not a waste of time. I enjoyed them all even more this time around, and I was still excited to turn the page of The Diablo Horror!
Is the cost of one life worth the loss of another?
The Diablo Horror picks up where the Devil’s Throat ends. Demon Aka Manah has convinced Steven to make a deal with him to save the lives of his father, Roy, and dear friend Eliza. But Steven doesn’t move fast enough – so now Eliza is in the hospital near death, and will remain that way until Steven does his bidding. Steven cannot fulfill his obligation himself, and is bound to secrecy so he must be careful in obtaining the help he needs to see it through. Every step Steven takes, he has to jump through hoops, make promises, and pay heavily. Aka Manah prays on Steven’s vulnerability to save Eliza, but the cost is far beyond what he ever imagined. After Steven delivers, and Eliza is saved, he has no choice but to confess why he had to agree to Aka Manah’s deal. The aftermath of this experience is nothing less than catastrophic, but it is not over. Vohuman, another demon approaches Steven with a way to get even with Aka Manah. He tells Steven what Aka Mahan actually did, and offers the opportunity to get revenge. Can this demon be trusted? Does Steven have any choice? Who can Steven trust outside his small circle to make sure Vohuman will live up to his end of the bargain? Will this deal bring peace to all involved?
Once again the author fills the book with page turning excitement. Friends and enemies both old and new bring depth to a story line that will have you losing sleep to find out what is next. As said at the beginning of the review, Diablo Horror is a continuation of Devil’s Throat, but is strong enough to stand alone. All the books in the series can stand up to being read singularly, but, I cannot imagine why you would want to. The entire series is rich with fresh new ideas, scary plots, and exciting characters. Many authors writing an extensive series tend to repeat story lines, and get lazy with character development. You will not find that here! Before I read this book, I took the opportunity to re-read the entire series. It was definitely not a waste of time. I enjoyed them all even more this time around, and I was still excited to turn the page of The Diablo Horror!
August 14, 2014
I don't tend to write many reviews, but this book was so stunning I just had to.
Those of you that are familiar with the "River" series are well versed with the superb story lines and character development. Having said that, prepare to be blown away! I'm not going to give away any spoilers, but one major incident was so mind blowing I actually went immediately to the last chapter to see if it was true.
I'm a huge reader. I love great books. This series continues to impress me beyond measure. My only criticism is that the books are too short. I can't wait for the next one!!!!
Those of you that are familiar with the "River" series are well versed with the superb story lines and character development. Having said that, prepare to be blown away! I'm not going to give away any spoilers, but one major incident was so mind blowing I actually went immediately to the last chapter to see if it was true.
I'm a huge reader. I love great books. This series continues to impress me beyond measure. My only criticism is that the books are too short. I can't wait for the next one!!!!
July 26, 2025
A very intense, captivating read!!
A fantastic storyline and interesting characters. This is a fascinating series! I've enjoyed it tremendously since I first started reading it. I would have really liked to have Jason walk through the door in the end and be completely normal, as if nothing had happened. That surprise would have been the last paragraph in this book. To be continued in the following book. That would have been my idea if I had written this series.
A fantastic storyline and interesting characters. This is a fascinating series! I've enjoyed it tremendously since I first started reading it. I would have really liked to have Jason walk through the door in the end and be completely normal, as if nothing had happened. That surprise would have been the last paragraph in this book. To be continued in the following book. That would have been my idea if I had written this series.
September 26, 2017
Engrossing
As the events in this book progressed, I hoped they would change...that by some turn of fate or deal or time travel that they would be different. But, like tragedy in real life, it was not to be so...leaving me with a sadness and unfulfilled ending. Thankfully, there is another book... I would have hated waiting for the next.😕
As the events in this book progressed, I hoped they would change...that by some turn of fate or deal or time travel that they would be different. But, like tragedy in real life, it was not to be so...leaving me with a sadness and unfulfilled ending. Thankfully, there is another book... I would have hated waiting for the next.😕
January 15, 2020
Just tear out my heart why don't you. So yeah I was in tears a fair amount while reading this one.
I have grown to truly care for these characters, and something like this happens.
These are the moments my hubby finds hilarious, he hears me yell at my book ('cause yelling at video games is so different). To me a mark of a good author can evoke those reactions. Before the kindle, a paperback was known to fly from my hands, Mr Richan pulls those feelings out of me.
I have grown to truly care for these characters, and something like this happens.
These are the moments my hubby finds hilarious, he hears me yell at my book ('cause yelling at video games is so different). To me a mark of a good author can evoke those reactions. Before the kindle, a paperback was known to fly from my hands, Mr Richan pulls those feelings out of me.
Read
January 25, 2015I got this book from Librarything.com. The 7th book of the series. Really wish I read the other 6 books that are in this series of the River series. Anyways it's a really great book, and if you like a little kick of horror and action than you'll like this 210 page story.
August 24, 2014
Loved it along with all the The River series. Michael Richan is a very creative writer that gives you something new and refreshing. Love all the characters. Can't wait for the next one to come out.
September 20, 2014
Best one in the series! I love the developing of Steven's character and the return of Eliza working with Steven and Roy. I can't wait for the next book.
October 11, 2014
These books never disappoint. I am officially addicted to this series and I recommend them highly to everyone.
February 26, 2015
Can't say enough of how much I enjoy this series! The suspence was encredible! What an ending! Can' t wait for the next book, but will be sad when it's over. At least there's the offshoot series!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews