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666: THE DEVIL I KNEW, THE DEVIL I DIDN'T KNOW
From BestThrillers.com Editorial
“666 & The Devil I knew, The Devil I didn’t know” is a supernatural saga that deftly blurs fact and fiction into something original.
666: The Devil I Knew and the Devil I Didn’t Know is unlike any other book you’ll ever read. The concept was borne out of author Eliade Moldovan’s memoir about growing up in Romania during the Cold War.
The theme of extraterrestrial influence appears throughout the book, but perhaps no more compellingly than the evocative story entitled “The Church.” In it, Elly enters a village church that is beautifully drawn by Moldovan, and after a series of intriguing discoveries in the surrounding environment, learns that the towers across European churches were erected – on the advice of alien visitors – to house antennas that could send signals into space. Throughout, Elly is both open to ideas and naturally skeptical of them…
Moldovan’s characters – including one called “The Prophet” – collectively shape Elly’s journey, providing insights, challenges, and reflections that lead him toward self-discovery and understanding of his purpose in a complex world. Each interaction serves as a compelling stepping stone in his quest for identity and comprehension of the forces that influence his life.
And about the Devil in the even if you’re not partial to stories about extraterrestrial life, those with even a mild interest in religious history will be fascinated by Moldovan’s story about the origins of creatures named “devils” and how they evolved.”
“666 & The Devil I knew, The Devil I didn’t know” is a supernatural saga that deftly blurs fact and fiction into something original.
666: The Devil I Knew and the Devil I Didn’t Know is unlike any other book you’ll ever read. The concept was borne out of author Eliade Moldovan’s memoir about growing up in Romania during the Cold War.
The theme of extraterrestrial influence appears throughout the book, but perhaps no more compellingly than the evocative story entitled “The Church.” In it, Elly enters a village church that is beautifully drawn by Moldovan, and after a series of intriguing discoveries in the surrounding environment, learns that the towers across European churches were erected – on the advice of alien visitors – to house antennas that could send signals into space. Throughout, Elly is both open to ideas and naturally skeptical of them…
Moldovan’s characters – including one called “The Prophet” – collectively shape Elly’s journey, providing insights, challenges, and reflections that lead him toward self-discovery and understanding of his purpose in a complex world. Each interaction serves as a compelling stepping stone in his quest for identity and comprehension of the forces that influence his life.
And about the Devil in the even if you’re not partial to stories about extraterrestrial life, those with even a mild interest in religious history will be fascinated by Moldovan’s story about the origins of creatures named “devils” and how they evolved.”
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2025
About the author
Eliade Moldovan
15 books1 followerBorn in Romania under the oppressive communism regime, Eliade Moldovan had a dream, that one day he may join the free world.
But life has unexpected turns and in 1989 the communist regimes in East Europe fell one after the other. He had high hopes for a new society and a new life. But this did not happen, the damage done during the fifty years of a dictatorial and cruel regime left deep wounds into the society, that could not re-conciliate itself with the new realities. He was torn apart, his family deserved better opportunities, and decided to immigrate to Canada, and Canada opened its arms for him and his family in 1993.
Today he lives in the Greater Toronto Area with his wife. They enjoy vacations and have traveled around the world, exploring nature and undertaking the occasional adventurous trips. In Toronto, they enjoy their ballroom dancing weekends and look forward to babysitting their lovely grandson.
Eliade is funny, open-minded. But his books show the other side of his personality, defying taboos, and not hesitating to warn about the problems our society is facing.
Eliade writes sci-fi / fantasy books, but the reader can easily relate his stories to sensitive questions the humanity is facing.
But life has unexpected turns and in 1989 the communist regimes in East Europe fell one after the other. He had high hopes for a new society and a new life. But this did not happen, the damage done during the fifty years of a dictatorial and cruel regime left deep wounds into the society, that could not re-conciliate itself with the new realities. He was torn apart, his family deserved better opportunities, and decided to immigrate to Canada, and Canada opened its arms for him and his family in 1993.
Today he lives in the Greater Toronto Area with his wife. They enjoy vacations and have traveled around the world, exploring nature and undertaking the occasional adventurous trips. In Toronto, they enjoy their ballroom dancing weekends and look forward to babysitting their lovely grandson.
Eliade is funny, open-minded. But his books show the other side of his personality, defying taboos, and not hesitating to warn about the problems our society is facing.
Eliade writes sci-fi / fantasy books, but the reader can easily relate his stories to sensitive questions the humanity is facing.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 13, 2025
Book Review: 666 & The Devil I Knew, The Devil I Didn’t Know by Eliade Moldovan
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Overview
Eliade Moldovan’s 666 & The Devil I Knew, The Devil I Didn’t Know is a provocative and multilayered exploration of evil, identity, and the duality of human nature. Blending elements of psychological thriller, philosophical inquiry, and dark fantasy, the book challenges readers to confront their own perceptions of morality and the unknown. Moldovan’s narrative is both gripping and intellectually demanding, making it a standout in contemporary speculative fiction.
Themes and Content
The novel revolves around several core themes:
-The Nature of Evil: Moldovan interrogates traditional depictions of the devil, presenting a nuanced portrayal that blurs the lines between myth, psychology, and supernatural horror.
-Duality and Identity: The protagonist’s journey forces a reckoning with the self—both the “devil” they recognize and the hidden darkness they must confront.
-Existential Fear: The book delves into primal fears of the unknown, using symbolism (e.g., the number 666) to explore societal and personal anxieties.
-Narrative Ambiguity: Moldovan employs unreliable narration and shifting perspectives to unsettle readers, mirroring the protagonist’s fractured psyche.
-The novel’s strength lies in its refusal to offer easy answers, instead inviting readers to grapple with ambiguity. However, some may find its abstract passages challenging.
Writing Style and Structure
Moldovan’s prose is dense and atmospheric, alternating between lyrical introspection and visceral intensity. The nonlinear structure enhances the thematic disorientation, though it risks alienating readers seeking a conventional plot. Symbolism (e.g., biblical and numerological references) is woven throughout, rewarding close reading but occasionally feeling overbearing.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
-Intellectual Depth: The novel’s philosophical underpinnings elevate it beyond genre tropes.
-Emotional Resonance: The protagonist’s inner turmoil is rendered with raw authenticity.
-Innovative Form: The fragmented narrative mirrors the book’s themes of chaos and revelation.
Weaknesses:
-Pacing Issues: Some sections drag due to excessive abstraction.
-Accessibility: The heavy reliance on symbolism may alienate casual readers.
-Section Scoring Breakdown (0–5)
-Originality: 5/5 – A bold reimagining of demonic mythology.
-Narrative Quality: 4/5 – Compelling but uneven pacing.
-Thematic Depth: 5/5 – Rich and thought-provoking.
-Character Development: 3.5/5 – Protagonist shines; secondary characters lack dimension.
-Emotional Impact: 4/5 – Haunting but occasionally opaque.
Final Verdict
666 & The Devil I Knew, The Devil I Didn’t Know is a daring work that lingers in the mind long after reading. Moldovan’s willingness to confront darkness—both external and internal—makes this a rewarding, if demanding, experience. Recommended for fans of psychological horror and philosophical fiction.
★★★★ (4/5) – A labyrinthine descent into the shadows of the soul.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Eliade Moldovan, for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Overview
Eliade Moldovan’s 666 & The Devil I Knew, The Devil I Didn’t Know is a provocative and multilayered exploration of evil, identity, and the duality of human nature. Blending elements of psychological thriller, philosophical inquiry, and dark fantasy, the book challenges readers to confront their own perceptions of morality and the unknown. Moldovan’s narrative is both gripping and intellectually demanding, making it a standout in contemporary speculative fiction.
Themes and Content
The novel revolves around several core themes:
-The Nature of Evil: Moldovan interrogates traditional depictions of the devil, presenting a nuanced portrayal that blurs the lines between myth, psychology, and supernatural horror.
-Duality and Identity: The protagonist’s journey forces a reckoning with the self—both the “devil” they recognize and the hidden darkness they must confront.
-Existential Fear: The book delves into primal fears of the unknown, using symbolism (e.g., the number 666) to explore societal and personal anxieties.
-Narrative Ambiguity: Moldovan employs unreliable narration and shifting perspectives to unsettle readers, mirroring the protagonist’s fractured psyche.
-The novel’s strength lies in its refusal to offer easy answers, instead inviting readers to grapple with ambiguity. However, some may find its abstract passages challenging.
Writing Style and Structure
Moldovan’s prose is dense and atmospheric, alternating between lyrical introspection and visceral intensity. The nonlinear structure enhances the thematic disorientation, though it risks alienating readers seeking a conventional plot. Symbolism (e.g., biblical and numerological references) is woven throughout, rewarding close reading but occasionally feeling overbearing.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
-Intellectual Depth: The novel’s philosophical underpinnings elevate it beyond genre tropes.
-Emotional Resonance: The protagonist’s inner turmoil is rendered with raw authenticity.
-Innovative Form: The fragmented narrative mirrors the book’s themes of chaos and revelation.
Weaknesses:
-Pacing Issues: Some sections drag due to excessive abstraction.
-Accessibility: The heavy reliance on symbolism may alienate casual readers.
-Section Scoring Breakdown (0–5)
-Originality: 5/5 – A bold reimagining of demonic mythology.
-Narrative Quality: 4/5 – Compelling but uneven pacing.
-Thematic Depth: 5/5 – Rich and thought-provoking.
-Character Development: 3.5/5 – Protagonist shines; secondary characters lack dimension.
-Emotional Impact: 4/5 – Haunting but occasionally opaque.
Final Verdict
666 & The Devil I Knew, The Devil I Didn’t Know is a daring work that lingers in the mind long after reading. Moldovan’s willingness to confront darkness—both external and internal—makes this a rewarding, if demanding, experience. Recommended for fans of psychological horror and philosophical fiction.
★★★★ (4/5) – A labyrinthine descent into the shadows of the soul.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Eliade Moldovan, for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2025
666: The Devil I Knew, The Devil I Didn’t Know isn’t a spooky book with a strange title. It’s a story about a real life full of mystery, questions, and the search for meaning. The author, Eliade Moldovan, grew up in a time and place where things were hard, Romania, during the Cold War, but somehow, that was just the beginning of the strange moments he experienced.
This book really touches on how sometimes the world just doesn’t make any sense. It’s a reminder about how we try to understand good and evil, even when those concepts might not be so clear. Moldovan tells us true stories from his past, and mixes in weird moments that makes you wonder if those experiences ever even took place.
In one part of the book, he walks into an old church and uncovers a secret that connects religion, outer space, and a message that’s been hidden in plain sight. In other parts, he meets unusual people who challenge what he thought he knew, people who might just be messengers, or maybe something more.
What makes this book really special is that it doesn’t try to explain everything. Instead, it lets you decide what you believe. Are there aliens? Are there hidden truths in the stories we’re told as kids? What does “evil” really mean and is it a monster with horns, or could it be something quieter, something inside us?
Even though Moldovan touches on big concepts like fear, belief, and the unknown, the story really is of one man sharing the weird, wild ride of his life. Some parts feel like a dream. Others feel like listening to your grandfather tell you a story late at night. But every piece adds up to a bigger notion… a reminder that the world is strange, and so are we.
So avoid judging the story by the cover, this book isn’t all about devils or dark forces. It’s about facing the parts of life that didn’t come with instructions. And maybe, learning to live with the questions.
This book really touches on how sometimes the world just doesn’t make any sense. It’s a reminder about how we try to understand good and evil, even when those concepts might not be so clear. Moldovan tells us true stories from his past, and mixes in weird moments that makes you wonder if those experiences ever even took place.
In one part of the book, he walks into an old church and uncovers a secret that connects religion, outer space, and a message that’s been hidden in plain sight. In other parts, he meets unusual people who challenge what he thought he knew, people who might just be messengers, or maybe something more.
What makes this book really special is that it doesn’t try to explain everything. Instead, it lets you decide what you believe. Are there aliens? Are there hidden truths in the stories we’re told as kids? What does “evil” really mean and is it a monster with horns, or could it be something quieter, something inside us?
Even though Moldovan touches on big concepts like fear, belief, and the unknown, the story really is of one man sharing the weird, wild ride of his life. Some parts feel like a dream. Others feel like listening to your grandfather tell you a story late at night. But every piece adds up to a bigger notion… a reminder that the world is strange, and so are we.
So avoid judging the story by the cover, this book isn’t all about devils or dark forces. It’s about facing the parts of life that didn’t come with instructions. And maybe, learning to live with the questions.
May 8, 2025
666: The Devil I Knew and the Devil I Didn’t Know, by Eliade Moldovan, tells the story of the authors life in fragments which, if taken separately, may not make sense. The story is woven with a flair that only a wise old man can deliver, and Moldovan proves that he is just that. He retells stories from his youth, ripe with constant violence within his village in Romania, until his old age, We see the effects of the communist regime on his family, experiencing the fallout of the Cold War with them.
Eliade is a good narrator with a unique style. The book almost reads like a work of fiction and, without reading he introduction, one may believe it was. Reading this book was like listening to a campfire story from my grandparents.
All in all, though, his book is an intimate glimpse into a life well spent. I enjoyed this read.
Eliade is a good narrator with a unique style. The book almost reads like a work of fiction and, without reading he introduction, one may believe it was. Reading this book was like listening to a campfire story from my grandparents.
All in all, though, his book is an intimate glimpse into a life well spent. I enjoyed this read.
May 6, 2025
The book title is a bit misleading, as it’s not a devilish satanic one. This is a book with a touch of paranormal, supernatural, extraterrestrial, yet based on real-life lived experiences and real memories. Indeed, this is a book unlike any other you will ever read. And don’t be scared of the book title. It indeed is not what it seems to be. As the book blurb says, this is a supernatural saga that deftly blurs fact and fiction into something original. And indeed, this is exactly what the book does.
May 23, 2025
Intricate plot lines with twists
I wasn't sure what to expect from this novel, but it captured my interest. It is told from a memoir perspective of the main character and takes you on the mysterious journey from his teen years through later life.
Throughout the novel, Elly tries to make sense of life like dreams and bizarre experiences he has on and off through his life. Certain realities are revealed to him, which leads him to question what he has assumed to be real. And his world is turned upside down on several occasions.
The author demonstrates his imagination through detailed descriptions and plot lines, making for a very interesting book.
I recommend this to science fiction lovers and those who like apocalyptic stories.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this novel, but it captured my interest. It is told from a memoir perspective of the main character and takes you on the mysterious journey from his teen years through later life.
Throughout the novel, Elly tries to make sense of life like dreams and bizarre experiences he has on and off through his life. Certain realities are revealed to him, which leads him to question what he has assumed to be real. And his world is turned upside down on several occasions.
The author demonstrates his imagination through detailed descriptions and plot lines, making for a very interesting book.
I recommend this to science fiction lovers and those who like apocalyptic stories.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews