What do you think?
Rate this book
A Devil in the Wilderness
A YOUNG WOMAN'S FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL FROM THE WILD AND HER PAST.
In a bold leap toward self-discovery and adventure, Megan Burgan embraces Tyler Russell’s invitation for a wilderness backpacking trip, igniting a spark of hope and possibility within her. However, what begins as an exhilarating journey through nature’s breathtaking landscapes quickly transforms into a harrowing struggle for survival.
Alone and besieged by the haunting shadows of her past, Megan must summon every ounce of her strength, resilience, and ingenuity to fight for survival in an unforgiving and treacherous wilderness while confronting the demon that threatens her very life. This is not just a fight against the elements but a profound quest for redemption and empowerment as Megan discovers the indomitable spirit that lies within her, capable of overcoming even the darkest of challenges.
In a bold leap toward self-discovery and adventure, Megan Burgan embraces Tyler Russell’s invitation for a wilderness backpacking trip, igniting a spark of hope and possibility within her. However, what begins as an exhilarating journey through nature’s breathtaking landscapes quickly transforms into a harrowing struggle for survival.
Alone and besieged by the haunting shadows of her past, Megan must summon every ounce of her strength, resilience, and ingenuity to fight for survival in an unforgiving and treacherous wilderness while confronting the demon that threatens her very life. This is not just a fight against the elements but a profound quest for redemption and empowerment as Megan discovers the indomitable spirit that lies within her, capable of overcoming even the darkest of challenges.
Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
60 people are currently reading
6241 people want to read
About the author
Warren Rainer
2 books31 followersWarren C. Rainer grew up in small town in Eastern Washington State with experiences ranging from agriculture to mining and also working with his dad building homes. Always intrigued by writing and story telling he started an in house family newspaper when he was in grade school. As an adult he continued to write fiction for his two daughters and his wife. As a professional sales executive he wrote multiple business plans, marketing analysis, product strategies and other sales and marketing documents. He continues to write and enjoy other pursuits such as reading, backpacking, woodworking, spending time with his grandchildren and traveling with his wife.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 6, 2025
Megan and Tyler Russell are coworkers. They begin spending lunches together and getting to know each other. When Tyler invites Megan on a wilderness backpacking trip, she's intrigued but unsure. She has a troubled past concerning men in her life. Can she trust Tyler? Ultimately, she decides to take a chance and begins to look forward to the trip. Things start out well, but unbeknownst to them, there is a devil in the wilderness and what should have been a relaxing and fun time becomes a fight for survival.
I don't think the official synopsis does the story justice. Rather, the fantastic cover lets you know what this book is about. A Devil In the Wilderness is a tension filled fight for survival and I loved it.
The book has a great, ominous opening and then goes back in time for a bit to show us how we got there. Those beginning chapters went on a little too long for me but they help the reader understand Tyler and Megan.
Things pick up big time once they get on the trail. I was just as excited as they were to start hiking. It felt like I was following along with them. The hiking details are fun and well done.
The relaxing vibe doesn't last for long though and once it's apparent someone is out there in the woods with them, the action picks up and doesn't stop until the end. Megan and Tyler go through so much. The pain, fear, exhaustion are all easily felt. I could see everything so well as they navigated on and off the trail.
I was greatly pleased to see some of the actions Megan took in a particular situation as they are things I thought she could do before she ended up trying them. The scenes, especially toward the end, had me on the edge of my seat. It really felt like a fight for survival.
There are some things that might be an issue for readers. I thought some of the dialogue, as well as some writing, was awkward, kind of like how strangers may talk to each other. There is some repetition with small things repeated within a couple paragraphs as the characters think through things. BUT I got used to the rhythm and ended up enjoying the narrative style. None of that matters in the end anyway because the story is so good. I couldn't stop reading.
If you enjoy survival stories you will like A Devil In the Wilderness!
I don't think the official synopsis does the story justice. Rather, the fantastic cover lets you know what this book is about. A Devil In the Wilderness is a tension filled fight for survival and I loved it.
The book has a great, ominous opening and then goes back in time for a bit to show us how we got there. Those beginning chapters went on a little too long for me but they help the reader understand Tyler and Megan.
Things pick up big time once they get on the trail. I was just as excited as they were to start hiking. It felt like I was following along with them. The hiking details are fun and well done.
The relaxing vibe doesn't last for long though and once it's apparent someone is out there in the woods with them, the action picks up and doesn't stop until the end. Megan and Tyler go through so much. The pain, fear, exhaustion are all easily felt. I could see everything so well as they navigated on and off the trail.
I was greatly pleased to see some of the actions Megan took in a particular situation as they are things I thought she could do before she ended up trying them. The scenes, especially toward the end, had me on the edge of my seat. It really felt like a fight for survival.
There are some things that might be an issue for readers. I thought some of the dialogue, as well as some writing, was awkward, kind of like how strangers may talk to each other. There is some repetition with small things repeated within a couple paragraphs as the characters think through things. BUT I got used to the rhythm and ended up enjoying the narrative style. None of that matters in the end anyway because the story is so good. I couldn't stop reading.
If you enjoy survival stories you will like A Devil In the Wilderness!
November 12, 2025
I got this book for free in a goodreads giveaway- The book started off a little slow with all the character descriptions, but once you get into the meat of the book, it is a very fun creepy little thriller in the forest. Very fun
December 13, 2025
OMG, this book was awful. The writing made me cringe. The editing was horrific. What was I thinking? Why did I even finish?
November 21, 2025
The title and cover lured me into A Devil In The Wilderness by Warren Rainer. I have been reading more Christian suspense and as long as it blends into the story, I’m fine with it. With Megan feeling insecure about her choices in life, she can use a boost to her self confidence.
All too often, the monsters that enter our lives walk on two feet, and Megan has two of them in her life. That’s why, when her life is in danger in the wilderness, I bounced between the two men in her life that wish her harm. Will I figure it out before the author tells me?
I can usually let an author take me where they will, but I had some issues with A Devil In The Wilderness. I thought Megan was too quick to go on a backpacking trip with someone she hardly knows. Of course, book time is different from real time, so maybe they knew each other better than I thought.
I couldn’t get invested with the characters., though once the danger rose and the action increased, I did get more involved in the story. I think A Devil In The Wilderness may be a good fit for others, but me, I want more depth, I want to be sitting on the edge of my seat, I want the characters screaming at me to save them.
See more at https://www.fundinmental.com
All too often, the monsters that enter our lives walk on two feet, and Megan has two of them in her life. That’s why, when her life is in danger in the wilderness, I bounced between the two men in her life that wish her harm. Will I figure it out before the author tells me?
I can usually let an author take me where they will, but I had some issues with A Devil In The Wilderness. I thought Megan was too quick to go on a backpacking trip with someone she hardly knows. Of course, book time is different from real time, so maybe they knew each other better than I thought.
I couldn’t get invested with the characters., though once the danger rose and the action increased, I did get more involved in the story. I think A Devil In The Wilderness may be a good fit for others, but me, I want more depth, I want to be sitting on the edge of my seat, I want the characters screaming at me to save them.
See more at https://www.fundinmental.com
November 4, 2025
Well let me tell you, this book here is about a Gal named Megan. She took me on a wild ride. I haven't never walked so much in my life. Just reading it made my feet hurt. She gets talked into going on this backpacking trip with this fellow named Tyler. It sounded like a great idea at first, woods trails and clean air into the mountains in Oregon. But then, boom, next thing you know, stuff starts going bad really quick. One minute she is smiling, the next she is running from her own dang past and trying not to die out there.
Megan has more trouble than a hornet’s nest. She's out there all by her lonesome, fighting to stay alive and dealing with them bad memories that just won’t leave her alone. I kept thinking, girl, you should have stayed home. But nah, she is tough as nails. She keeps pushing on. She has grit, spunk, and she don’t back down, not even when it feels like the world is trying to chew her up and spit her out.
By the time I hit the last few pages, I was hollering at my screen like, come on Megan, you can do it. I ain’t lying, I was sweating and chewing my lip like it was me out there starving and fighting for my life. This ebook has got heart, and it packs a punch, and it doesn't let up till the end. I felt proud of her when she came out the other side, like dang girl, you made it.
Thank God that Tyler has outdoor experience to make everything happen in the whole story even though it went from good to bad in the darkness. Glad everything worked out for them both in the end!
I give it 5 outta 5 catfish!
Megan has more trouble than a hornet’s nest. She's out there all by her lonesome, fighting to stay alive and dealing with them bad memories that just won’t leave her alone. I kept thinking, girl, you should have stayed home. But nah, she is tough as nails. She keeps pushing on. She has grit, spunk, and she don’t back down, not even when it feels like the world is trying to chew her up and spit her out.
By the time I hit the last few pages, I was hollering at my screen like, come on Megan, you can do it. I ain’t lying, I was sweating and chewing my lip like it was me out there starving and fighting for my life. This ebook has got heart, and it packs a punch, and it doesn't let up till the end. I felt proud of her when she came out the other side, like dang girl, you made it.
Thank God that Tyler has outdoor experience to make everything happen in the whole story even though it went from good to bad in the darkness. Glad everything worked out for them both in the end!
I give it 5 outta 5 catfish!
September 26, 2025
This was a good thriller read mixed with a little romance. There were a few typos. The first chapter catches you and pulls you in but the next chapter or two give alot of background info that I think could have been a little less detail because it almost stopped me from continuing. But after I got through that it kept me very interested.
I won this book on Goodreads giveaways. This is my honest opinion. I do want to thank the author for writing a note and signing the book, that was a nice touch. Most authors do not take the time to do that. I will be looking forward to more books from this author.
I won this book on Goodreads giveaways. This is my honest opinion. I do want to thank the author for writing a note and signing the book, that was a nice touch. Most authors do not take the time to do that. I will be looking forward to more books from this author.
September 9, 2025
Megan has picked some bad boyfriends in the past. He has a better feeling about Tyler and decides to go on a wilderness. On the second night out, she wakes up to find herself alone in the campsite with most of her supplies gone. Tyler is nowhere to be found. Did he abandon her or is something else going on. She decides to try to hike out. Tyler is forced to go where the man tells him to go. Finally, there is a chance to run and run he does, right off a cliff. He awakes a few hours later badly bruised by alive. He knows that the man is after Megan. He needs to save her.
October 9, 2025
“A Devil in the Wilderness” by Warren Rainer is a gripping mix of survival thriller and psychological drama. When Megan joins a backpacking trip meant to clear her head, she finds herself battling not just the dangers of the wilderness but the ghosts of her past.
Rainer captures the raw beauty and menace of nature while exploring resilience, fear, and redemption. Megan’s journey feels authentic and tense, even if a few twists are predictable. Still, the pacing, atmosphere, and emotional depth make this a compelling read for fans of outdoor adventures and introspective thrillers.
Rainer captures the raw beauty and menace of nature while exploring resilience, fear, and redemption. Megan’s journey feels authentic and tense, even if a few twists are predictable. Still, the pacing, atmosphere, and emotional depth make this a compelling read for fans of outdoor adventures and introspective thrillers.
January 5, 2026
I feel bad… I really wanted to enjoy this more :( It felt like nothing happened for so much of the book and everything was overexplained. There was a lot of telling and not showing, especially with the character building in the beginning. I couldn’t help but feel like I was reading the same thing over and over again. There were also some grammatical errors throughout, but I know it’s difficult being an indie author and I can give grace. I know this author has potential so I’m hopeful for future releases!
December 28, 2025
A mountain of suspense
A well written book by Warren. He covered all the bases, giving the reader lots of suspense, and keeping then engaged. Because it was well written I found myself inclined to keep reading it quicker than I've read lately and finished it in just a few days.
I did find it a little predictable, but was still exciting to read. I believe in time as he sharpens his skills, Warren will become a top writer of suspense.
A well written book by Warren. He covered all the bases, giving the reader lots of suspense, and keeping then engaged. Because it was well written I found myself inclined to keep reading it quicker than I've read lately and finished it in just a few days.
I did find it a little predictable, but was still exciting to read. I believe in time as he sharpens his skills, Warren will become a top writer of suspense.
December 30, 2025
A Devil in the Wilderness is a gripping and emotionally charged survival story that blends raw adventure with powerful personal transformation. Megan’s journey through a brutal wilderness mirrors her inner battle, making every moment feel urgent and meaningful. Warren Rainer delivers a compelling tale of resilience, courage, and self-discovery that keeps you turning pages while rooting for a heroine who refuses to be broken.
October 15, 2025
A DEVIL IN THE WILDERNESS - I cannot stand Megan. She is stupid and has no common sense. The story is wordy, too much detail. Since I disliked M it was difficult to read the book finished. The other characters did not have much going for them. Some of the dialog was off. There are readers who will like this clean, old-style, Cozy writing style. Source: Won a GoodReads Giveaway. 2*
October 23, 2025
I thought after the first chapter, that this was going to be a 5 star banger!
Unfortunately from the 2nd chapter on inwas overloaded with too much character building for too long and lost interest. 2.5 stars not rounded up
Sorry, it just wasn't for me!
Unfortunately from the 2nd chapter on inwas overloaded with too much character building for too long and lost interest. 2.5 stars not rounded up
Sorry, it just wasn't for me!
November 1, 2025
I thought after the first chapter, that this was going to be a 5 star banger!
Unfortunately from the 2nd chapter on inwas overloaded with too much character building for too long and lost interest. 2.5 stars not rounded up
Sorry, it just wasn't for me!
Unfortunately from the 2nd chapter on inwas overloaded with too much character building for too long and lost interest. 2.5 stars not rounded up
Sorry, it just wasn't for me!
December 29, 2025
Do not hike!
This book held my interest thru the hiking part but I must admit I did.not care for the ending at all. It seemed like the author wanted to hurry up and give it a nice clean ending. I waz kinda disappointed in that.
This book held my interest thru the hiking part but I must admit I did.not care for the ending at all. It seemed like the author wanted to hurry up and give it a nice clean ending. I waz kinda disappointed in that.
August 26, 2025
I won this on a giveaway. Overall I enjoyed this read! it's a slow burn thriller but I liked the plot and story line!
August 26, 2025
I received a free Kindle copy of this book and really enjoyed it.
November 16, 2025
This book was so good, kept me on the edge of my seat
November 11, 2025
3.5 stars.
The first chapter was off to a good start with its creepiness. Then the story goes back to 2 months prior. It's a intricate story, super detailed. The descriptions of the scenery on the hike were great, exactly what I was hoping for from the title. I liked the hiking and the knowledge of all the equipment and whatnot with the camping.
From a readers viewpoint because I am certainly not a writer, I give the author an A+ with vocabulary.
I personally would have liked the story better if told in first person instead of lengthy explanations of people's thoughts. I felt like this made the conversations a bit stilted and wordy and not flowing as I wanted. Overall, I loved the camping and the treks through the woods.
I won a Kindle copy in a Goodreads giveaway.
The first chapter was off to a good start with its creepiness. Then the story goes back to 2 months prior. It's a intricate story, super detailed. The descriptions of the scenery on the hike were great, exactly what I was hoping for from the title. I liked the hiking and the knowledge of all the equipment and whatnot with the camping.
From a readers viewpoint because I am certainly not a writer, I give the author an A+ with vocabulary.
I personally would have liked the story better if told in first person instead of lengthy explanations of people's thoughts. I felt like this made the conversations a bit stilted and wordy and not flowing as I wanted. Overall, I loved the camping and the treks through the woods.
I won a Kindle copy in a Goodreads giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews