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Pure Evil
Pure Evil is a horror novel about growing up too fast and struggling to contain a terrible family secret. Devon is just a kid from Maine who ends up on the wrong end of bullying. After a violent incident sends him to the hospital and puts him in a coma, he wakes up to find that he's not alone. There's a voice in his head, and it seems like it wants to be his friend. But there's something far more sinister happening, and Devon faces a life or death struggle that threatens to destroy everyone and everything he loves. Devon's uncle Joe is a writer from California. When he hears about the voice in Devon's head, he knows that the horror is just beginning. He's seen it before, and he'll do whatever it takes to save his nephew from the evil that he knows is coming. Devon and Joe are about face a dark force that will stop at nothing to get what it wants.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2014
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431 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 13, 2016
This short story is hard to rate...It was pretty good, but not great so I'm giving it 3.5 stars.
Devon is a chubby 12 year old kid who lives with his mother in the "poor" side of town. His father passed away a few years ago and Devon's mom is trying to make ends meet by working two jobs. Even with 2 jobs, the pair live pay check to pay check. Because of this, Devon's mom buys their clothes from the clearance section at the store where she works. Devon is constantly being bullied because of his "poor fat clothes".
The day Devon gets hit in the head with a rock and put in a coma, he is wearing a pair of sweatpants. This forbidden "loser" attire has caused 7 kids to react. While Devon lays their bleeding on the playground, the 7 kids pretend they don't know what happened or who threw the rock.
When Devon finally wakes from the coma he can sense something isn't right. He feels there is another person with him. This is when the story got interesting.
This is basically a demon possession story about a evil demon named Louie and the fact he is following Devon and his family around. I enjoyed everything about Louie, but was kind of annoyed with how Devon and his uncle handled Louie and the ending was kind of lame. I am interested in reading something longer by this author.
Devon is a chubby 12 year old kid who lives with his mother in the "poor" side of town. His father passed away a few years ago and Devon's mom is trying to make ends meet by working two jobs. Even with 2 jobs, the pair live pay check to pay check. Because of this, Devon's mom buys their clothes from the clearance section at the store where she works. Devon is constantly being bullied because of his "poor fat clothes".
The day Devon gets hit in the head with a rock and put in a coma, he is wearing a pair of sweatpants. This forbidden "loser" attire has caused 7 kids to react. While Devon lays their bleeding on the playground, the 7 kids pretend they don't know what happened or who threw the rock.
When Devon finally wakes from the coma he can sense something isn't right. He feels there is another person with him. This is when the story got interesting.
This is basically a demon possession story about a evil demon named Louie and the fact he is following Devon and his family around. I enjoyed everything about Louie, but was kind of annoyed with how Devon and his uncle handled Louie and the ending was kind of lame. I am interested in reading something longer by this author.
May 21, 2019
Rating: 3.5/5.0
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the atmosphere of the book in most part of it. The story is about a 12 years old Devon who lives with his widowed mother Claire. One day Devon is hit right at the back of his head by some children. This causes him to go into a coma. When Devon gets out of the coma he experiences something very strange. He keeps hearing a voice that asks him to do things! Bad things! As the story unfolds he understands that both his father & uncle were involved in similar experiences.
Though this was a short story, in general, I felt that it dragged a little just before the end, while the end was a bit abrupt. However, the story & characters were solid. I just wish if Devon's mother had more presence in the story. I mean we did not get to know how she felt about her son since her husband has suffered from the same thing. That important point of view was missing. A fun horror story, give it a try.
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the atmosphere of the book in most part of it. The story is about a 12 years old Devon who lives with his widowed mother Claire. One day Devon is hit right at the back of his head by some children. This causes him to go into a coma. When Devon gets out of the coma he experiences something very strange. He keeps hearing a voice that asks him to do things! Bad things! As the story unfolds he understands that both his father & uncle were involved in similar experiences.
Though this was a short story, in general, I felt that it dragged a little just before the end, while the end was a bit abrupt. However, the story & characters were solid. I just wish if Devon's mother had more presence in the story. I mean we did not get to know how she felt about her son since her husband has suffered from the same thing. That important point of view was missing. A fun horror story, give it a try.
April 5, 2019
Kept my interest
Pure Evil popped up on one of my book recommendations subscription I have. I'm interested in many different types of genres. Horror books was what first started my love for reading. Give me a horror book with some paranormal and I'm ALL in. Pure Evil had both aspects and it very well kept my interest. The storyline was very interesting. The writing could use some work. There were parts where it read almost like a children's book. I felt there were parts where there was too many "...she said, ...he said" tacked in there. The conversations just didn't seem to flow easily. This book did keep my interest.
Pure Evil popped up on one of my book recommendations subscription I have. I'm interested in many different types of genres. Horror books was what first started my love for reading. Give me a horror book with some paranormal and I'm ALL in. Pure Evil had both aspects and it very well kept my interest. The storyline was very interesting. The writing could use some work. There were parts where it read almost like a children's book. I felt there were parts where there was too many "...she said, ...he said" tacked in there. The conversations just didn't seem to flow easily. This book did keep my interest.
October 28, 2024
Generations
Not really my type of story, though it definitely had some elements i enjoy the story as a whole never quite clicked with me.
It's not a bad story and I feel many will enjoy it but the story telling and events didn't flow for me.
Not really my type of story, though it definitely had some elements i enjoy the story as a whole never quite clicked with me.
It's not a bad story and I feel many will enjoy it but the story telling and events didn't flow for me.
March 12, 2015
I liked the characters of Devon, and hi Uncle Joe, and the back story of Louie. I liked the relationship between Devon and his mother. I liked the buildup to what is inevitable in these novels. Up until this point the writing is solid and moves a decent pace. The end, however, comes too fast. It isn't that its the "break neck" pace that one hopes for in a novel of this sorts, there is that, but it seems rushed. It hurts the book in the long run, but only marginally. An enjoyable read.
May 16, 2015
Typical, evil inside someone. No different than any of the rest.
September 14, 2015
It was enjoyable enough for a free kindle book but there were a few writing issues (the wrong name when someone was speaking) that really bugged me. Good enough for a quick read though.
July 25, 2016
A good well-written story about the trials of Devon...no spoilers from me.
I liked the easy to read writing style and the concept, which could give you chills.
Worth a look.
I liked the easy to read writing style and the concept, which could give you chills.
Worth a look.
September 8, 2019
"Louie Louie, oh no no no, me gotta go, oh no...." Those classic song lyrics are the first thing to pop into my head as I start this review. Louie is the charmer that comes when you're lost, lonely and need a friend. He's comforting, kind of...because there's a little something about Louie that is off. When Devon first meets Louie he's fresh out the hospital after surviving a coma from being hit in the head by a rock on the playground. A rock thrown by a mean kid in middle school. He's sad, alone, and weary of being bullied. His mom works alot, but they love each other and she'd do anything for him. So, Louie shows up to talk. Within a day Louie's conversation goes from soft spoken to tossing in profanity and now Devon is scared. Really scared, and with good reason. Louie is "pure evil".
With Louie's arrival Devon's mom decides it's time to tell Devon what really killed his dad, Casper. They call Casper's brother Joe who takes the red-eye to Maine to attempt to save Devon from Louie. Joe has met Louie before and he hopes to end Louie for good this time. Not an easy task.
What can I say....I just love a good demon story. This was a good one! There was a delicious sense of dread when Louie's conversation with Devon changes from comforting and supportive to more profane. When Louie tell's Devon a girl is a "C*&T" my thoughts say, "un oh...." and so do Devon's. I could really sense Devon's dread in that moment.
Another part I found interesting was that Jesse Bastide gives us a look at what it's like to be the soul who's trapped inside their body while the demon has control. We can to see what the human soul see's, feel's and hears and how the human soul and the demon communicate and what kind of punishment the human experiences when it tries to resist the demon that inhabits the body.
The ending suggests there might be a part two. I hope so.
With Louie's arrival Devon's mom decides it's time to tell Devon what really killed his dad, Casper. They call Casper's brother Joe who takes the red-eye to Maine to attempt to save Devon from Louie. Joe has met Louie before and he hopes to end Louie for good this time. Not an easy task.
What can I say....I just love a good demon story. This was a good one! There was a delicious sense of dread when Louie's conversation with Devon changes from comforting and supportive to more profane. When Louie tell's Devon a girl is a "C*&T" my thoughts say, "un oh...." and so do Devon's. I could really sense Devon's dread in that moment.
Another part I found interesting was that Jesse Bastide gives us a look at what it's like to be the soul who's trapped inside their body while the demon has control. We can to see what the human soul see's, feel's and hears and how the human soul and the demon communicate and what kind of punishment the human experiences when it tries to resist the demon that inhabits the body.
The ending suggests there might be a part two. I hope so.
October 20, 2017
Genre - Supernatural Thriller/Horror
Publication Date - September 9, 2014
Pages - 180
Format - Kindle
Stars - 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Creepy kids and demons? Yes please. “Pure Evil” by Jesse Bastide is my first read by this author. I don’t do this often, but a comparison must be made. At times it felt like an older Stephen King novel. Now, that’s not a bad thing, it just had that kind of feel to it for me . Not overdone with characters and a really good solid story made the read very enjoyable. A fast paced story that kept pretty good timing throughout. All and all it was pretty creepy and I am anxious to check out more of Jesse’s work.
Synopsis (from back cover): What starts as an episode of playground teasing ends when Devon gets a rock to the skull. He falls into a coma, only waking up after a close brush with death. But now that Devon is back, he finds out that he’s not alone.There’s a mysterious entity talking to him in his head. And Devon’s not sure if he likes the new imaginary friend.
Devon’s uncle Joe is a writer out in California. Devon tells him about the new voice he’s hearing; it’s a red flag for Joe — he knows that he has to drop everything to go help his nephew. Joe knows that Devon inherited the family curse. It’s a devastating and powerful secret, and one that’s not fit for a boy to tackle alone. But even Joe isn't prepared for what's coming. Together, the two of them are about to embark on a terrifying journey where they confront the darkest evil they’ve ever known. Pure evil.
Publication Date - September 9, 2014
Pages - 180
Format - Kindle
Stars - 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Creepy kids and demons? Yes please. “Pure Evil” by Jesse Bastide is my first read by this author. I don’t do this often, but a comparison must be made. At times it felt like an older Stephen King novel. Now, that’s not a bad thing, it just had that kind of feel to it for me . Not overdone with characters and a really good solid story made the read very enjoyable. A fast paced story that kept pretty good timing throughout. All and all it was pretty creepy and I am anxious to check out more of Jesse’s work.
Synopsis (from back cover): What starts as an episode of playground teasing ends when Devon gets a rock to the skull. He falls into a coma, only waking up after a close brush with death. But now that Devon is back, he finds out that he’s not alone.There’s a mysterious entity talking to him in his head. And Devon’s not sure if he likes the new imaginary friend.
Devon’s uncle Joe is a writer out in California. Devon tells him about the new voice he’s hearing; it’s a red flag for Joe — he knows that he has to drop everything to go help his nephew. Joe knows that Devon inherited the family curse. It’s a devastating and powerful secret, and one that’s not fit for a boy to tackle alone. But even Joe isn't prepared for what's coming. Together, the two of them are about to embark on a terrifying journey where they confront the darkest evil they’ve ever known. Pure evil.
August 17, 2017
Good and bad... A great, tantalizing, horrific, classic, original storyline told in a fresh perspective with twists that send chills down your spine BUT weak writing that seemed almost childish in it's story telling and description. I enjoyed this book and the evil concocted within it, but the writing had me nearly putting it down. I'm glad I finished it and hope this author writes more epic stories with a more refined and practiced writing skill.
June 22, 2019
Pretty original and an enjoyable read!
This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed his styles and imagination! He is very good and is finding his groove in this series! Highly recommended! The only critique I have about making it better would be a few places where it seemed a bit repetitive, but not a major deal. And he came right back it and full force into the story! I hope there is more of Louie and Devon. (And Joe, of course!❤)
This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed his styles and imagination! He is very good and is finding his groove in this series! Highly recommended! The only critique I have about making it better would be a few places where it seemed a bit repetitive, but not a major deal. And he came right back it and full force into the story! I hope there is more of Louie and Devon. (And Joe, of course!❤)
June 14, 2018
Good start to a story
I felt left in the wind.. at the end. And want to know about these mental powers. I have no idea if Louie is significant or not.. was it a trick? What about we are all both good and evil or it’s not all black and white. I feel like this could be explored more.
I felt left in the wind.. at the end. And want to know about these mental powers. I have no idea if Louie is significant or not.. was it a trick? What about we are all both good and evil or it’s not all black and white. I feel like this could be explored more.
October 27, 2017
i s it me or are online authors books all going to be trash?
A promising beginning shortly to descend into cliche, repetition, and unimaginative descriptions. Oh dear! Not very optimistic for my next attempt to find something well written.....p
A promising beginning shortly to descend into cliche, repetition, and unimaginative descriptions. Oh dear! Not very optimistic for my next attempt to find something well written.....p
January 17, 2018
Great Thriller!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought the editing was done well. The characters were well developed and it was a great story line. I will be reading more by this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought the editing was done well. The characters were well developed and it was a great story line. I will be reading more by this author.
January 18, 2018
👍
I thought this book wad a great read!! I enjoyed it very much. Little sad with the ending, I want to know what happened after. Is there a book2?? I hope so. Please let me know if there's a second book out of in the making!!
I thought this book wad a great read!! I enjoyed it very much. Little sad with the ending, I want to know what happened after. Is there a book2?? I hope so. Please let me know if there's a second book out of in the making!!
May 12, 2021
Some promise
Some fairly good writing and believable dialog which can be difficult. But the story itself was disjointed and unsatisfying. Expanded and with better character development this could have been quite good.
Some fairly good writing and believable dialog which can be difficult. But the story itself was disjointed and unsatisfying. Expanded and with better character development this could have been quite good.
October 15, 2019
Good read.
I enjoyed it, it kept my attention well. Good characters, good plot progression, and enough twists to keep you interested.
I enjoyed it, it kept my attention well. Good characters, good plot progression, and enough twists to keep you interested.
January 28, 2020
This book didn’t really have an original or out-there premise yet made up with decent writing. Editing needs work tho.
May 26, 2025
Great Book
Scary, but very well written. Keeps you interested til the end. Loved it very much. A great read. Thank you Jesse Bastide.
Scary, but very well written. Keeps you interested til the end. Loved it very much. A great read. Thank you Jesse Bastide.
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April 7, 2016Title: Pure Evil
Author: +Jesse Bastide
Pages: 180
Genre: Horror
Format: Kindle
Synopsis:
Devon isn't the most popular kid on the playground. In fact, he's so unpopular the other kids seem to have thought that it was okay to throw rocks at him. After waking up in the hospital from a coma the grisly rock induced, he finds out that he's not the only one inside his head. Someone who has came to him presented to him as a friend, but is really pure evil in a cloak. Uncle Joe, a horror writer comes to Devon's rescue after finding out that Devon's problems are all too familiar. Can Joe help Devon before what happened to his brother ends up happening to his nephew too? Or will it become a cycle that's never-ending?
Review:
I read a lot of reviews via Goodreads before writing mine. I had zero issues with this book. It was an extremely quick, satisfying read for me. Louie really was pure evil. He was hell-bent on taking everyone down with him as long as he had fun doing it. I really enjoyed Joe and Devon's characters as well. Devon was very grown up for his age, and was right to second-guess some of the things he did within the story. I found Joe to be likable because he was really intent on avenging his brother as long as it meant saving Devon as well. Not to mention the fact that he's a writer of horror fiction. I love when books incorporate other writers or authors within them, even if they are made up.
I'm definitely going to be reading future books from Bastide. I got this book free from Amazon, but I'll be delving into his other stories as well!
Author: +Jesse Bastide
Pages: 180
Genre: Horror
Format: Kindle
Synopsis:
Devon isn't the most popular kid on the playground. In fact, he's so unpopular the other kids seem to have thought that it was okay to throw rocks at him. After waking up in the hospital from a coma the grisly rock induced, he finds out that he's not the only one inside his head. Someone who has came to him presented to him as a friend, but is really pure evil in a cloak. Uncle Joe, a horror writer comes to Devon's rescue after finding out that Devon's problems are all too familiar. Can Joe help Devon before what happened to his brother ends up happening to his nephew too? Or will it become a cycle that's never-ending?
Review:
I read a lot of reviews via Goodreads before writing mine. I had zero issues with this book. It was an extremely quick, satisfying read for me. Louie really was pure evil. He was hell-bent on taking everyone down with him as long as he had fun doing it. I really enjoyed Joe and Devon's characters as well. Devon was very grown up for his age, and was right to second-guess some of the things he did within the story. I found Joe to be likable because he was really intent on avenging his brother as long as it meant saving Devon as well. Not to mention the fact that he's a writer of horror fiction. I love when books incorporate other writers or authors within them, even if they are made up.
I'm definitely going to be reading future books from Bastide. I got this book free from Amazon, but I'll be delving into his other stories as well!
February 22, 2017
Interesting
Why end it like that? Only thing that bothered me was the ending other then that the book make me want to keep reading
Why end it like that? Only thing that bothered me was the ending other then that the book make me want to keep reading
August 18, 2015
Overall, I did like this one although some things about irritated me a lot and prevented me from giving it a higher rating. First, the author is definitely influenced by Stephen King (if he isn't, I'd be shocked). There were several occasions where I would think "Stop copying someone else!!!" It feels false and uncomfortable. Second, I absolutely HATE when authors shoehorn sexual references into the story. I have no problem with sex (I've read plenty of smutty books), but only if it actually fits into the story. Every time I came across something sexual (and there isn't really a ton of it in this story) it was so grating and annoying to read it because it felt like it was shoved in there purely for a little shock effect. Once again, it felt FALSE. Third, the villain of the story, Louie, is a type of demon and does plenty of evil, horrible things, but his dialogue reminded me of a teenage bully. A stupid one, at that. If he referred to either of the main characters as a "pussy" even ONE MORE TIME, I was going to rip every strand of hair out of my scalp. Seriously. You're a DEMON and that's the best you can come up with??
I don't think this author is a terrible writer. I just think this author should delve deeper into his imagination next time.
I don't think this author is a terrible writer. I just think this author should delve deeper into his imagination next time.
October 5, 2015
Or Was It?
Seldom do I read a complete book and have little or no emotion, thought, or idea about it. I think that maybe this is a first. I'm not sure if I should have stopped reading it many chapters ago as the idea occurred to me to do so, or if I kept reading because I have this little oddity about myself that I am compelled to complete a book once I start reading it? Nonetheless, I think perhaps I just didn't like this book much at all! It seemed to lack real substance of some sort and maybe the storyline itself was missing, I'm not sure. The entirety of the story lent itself to Louie, who I loathed by the way, and then at the end it was as though it could all start over again!! I suspect the next demon is Louie's daughter. Not to worry, I wouldn't be reading a sequel anyway. This evil actually wiped out most of a family and there was never really a reason and to beat it all it's not over? I don't think so. And oh, Joe's wife just cried a little and invited her surviving nephew to come and live with her happily ever after? Definitely two stars!!
Seldom do I read a complete book and have little or no emotion, thought, or idea about it. I think that maybe this is a first. I'm not sure if I should have stopped reading it many chapters ago as the idea occurred to me to do so, or if I kept reading because I have this little oddity about myself that I am compelled to complete a book once I start reading it? Nonetheless, I think perhaps I just didn't like this book much at all! It seemed to lack real substance of some sort and maybe the storyline itself was missing, I'm not sure. The entirety of the story lent itself to Louie, who I loathed by the way, and then at the end it was as though it could all start over again!! I suspect the next demon is Louie's daughter. Not to worry, I wouldn't be reading a sequel anyway. This evil actually wiped out most of a family and there was never really a reason and to beat it all it's not over? I don't think so. And oh, Joe's wife just cried a little and invited her surviving nephew to come and live with her happily ever after? Definitely two stars!!
December 17, 2016
Good Read
Careful with your thoughts, pay attention. Amazing what the mind can do if you are not careful with your thoughts.
Careful with your thoughts, pay attention. Amazing what the mind can do if you are not careful with your thoughts.
January 27, 2015
I'm not much of a horror book reader, so I didn't really know what to expect from this book. I thought the plot was intriguing, but found most of the conclusion to be very predictable. Plus, the author chose to leave readers hanging at the very end. Will there be a sequel? No clue.
There were lots of loose ends in the book, like small twists and turns in the plot that never really got fully explained or hammered out.
The language in the book was definitely adult-only.
There were a lot of grammatical errors in the book, but I don't know if that was just an issue with the Kindle edition.
Overall, I liked the book. It was a step out of my reading comfort zone, but I'm glad I took it.
There were lots of loose ends in the book, like small twists and turns in the plot that never really got fully explained or hammered out.
The language in the book was definitely adult-only.
There were a lot of grammatical errors in the book, but I don't know if that was just an issue with the Kindle edition.
Overall, I liked the book. It was a step out of my reading comfort zone, but I'm glad I took it.
April 30, 2015
I gave this book three stars simply because of the lack of editing. I have also self published in the passed and understand how much editors will cost. Once you get over some of the writing the rest of the book was really good. I enjoyed the story line and the characters played well off of each other.
I am not sure if I agree with the other reviewers of this book? I don't know if there need to be more from this story? I think the author placed us in a spot at the end. Overall thanks to Jesse for giving us this story into the Pure Evil!
I am not sure if I agree with the other reviewers of this book? I don't know if there need to be more from this story? I think the author placed us in a spot at the end. Overall thanks to Jesse for giving us this story into the Pure Evil!
July 8, 2015
“Creepy but still a good read”
It's always good to do something out of your comfort zone every now and then. There are very few horror/supernatural books on my bookshelf. The last titles in this genre I read were by a fellow named King. 'Pure Evil' paid homage to one of his that I recall. It's early days for Jesse Bastide and this is not in the same league as 'It' or its companions; however it certainly has a lot going for it. Visually it would work just fine. Expect to see it on a screen near you very soon.
It's always good to do something out of your comfort zone every now and then. There are very few horror/supernatural books on my bookshelf. The last titles in this genre I read were by a fellow named King. 'Pure Evil' paid homage to one of his that I recall. It's early days for Jesse Bastide and this is not in the same league as 'It' or its companions; however it certainly has a lot going for it. Visually it would work just fine. Expect to see it on a screen near you very soon.
February 18, 2016
All in all this book was an interesting read and rather entertaining. However, I felt the story needed that something more. It all seemed to move rather fast for my liking meaning that I never felt for the characters the way I feel you should in a good story. Yet, that's not to say I didn't enjoy it. It was thrilling with an interesting concept even if a bit more gore wouldn't have gone amiss.
I do give a warning with my review: the first couple of chapters do fail to draw you in but keep going, it does become worth it in the end.
I do give a warning with my review: the first couple of chapters do fail to draw you in but keep going, it does become worth it in the end.
May 27, 2015
Creepy as Hell
This novella is proof positive that you can't judge a book by its cover, because there is none, just colors. Mr. Bastide knows how to get under your skin. This tale creeped me out in a visceral way. It's about a demon coming after a boy, and you'd better believe there's carnage on the way.
I can't believe a talented author like this wrote a zombie novel--done to death.
This novella is proof positive that you can't judge a book by its cover, because there is none, just colors. Mr. Bastide knows how to get under your skin. This tale creeped me out in a visceral way. It's about a demon coming after a boy, and you'd better believe there's carnage on the way.
I can't believe a talented author like this wrote a zombie novel--done to death.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews