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The Devil in Miss Drake's Class #1
Devils in the Dark
To most of the Facebook Fifteen, bullying Audrey Bales was just a game—until two deep cuts with a Swiss army knife changed everything forever. Audrey didn’t want attention anymore. After five weeks at Fairview High School, Audrey wanted to die.
The doctors did the only thing they could with they put her away.
But in Fairview, Virginia, the nightmare is only beginning. The chat session had not gone unobserved. The Facebook Fifteen have drawn the attention of an ancient evil that lives only to punish those who would prey upon the weak.
They are the ghosts of 1,000 dead children — 1,000 suicides — and their master…
Their master likes Audrey Bales.
And as Audrey attempts to heal her mind and body, far from home, their master prepares for the revenge he will unleash upon her return.
The doctors did the only thing they could with they put her away.
But in Fairview, Virginia, the nightmare is only beginning. The chat session had not gone unobserved. The Facebook Fifteen have drawn the attention of an ancient evil that lives only to punish those who would prey upon the weak.
They are the ghosts of 1,000 dead children — 1,000 suicides — and their master…
Their master likes Audrey Bales.
And as Audrey attempts to heal her mind and body, far from home, their master prepares for the revenge he will unleash upon her return.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2014
94 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Damanda
19 books67 followersWriter, teacher, world's best uncle, adoptive dad to Shazam the cat, I am the gatekeeper to your nightmares and dreams, weaver of tales fantastic and unimaginable ... or some stuff like that.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 15, 2015
I've been looking forward to this one my TBR list for a while (too long--my TBR is getting away from me!). It absolutely did not disappoint. I was sucked in and read it in a single day. The story is heart-rending and definitely dark, but there's splashes of humor here and there that help light the way. Possibly the best part was the great characterization. Each of the characters were very well fleshed out and leapt off the page. Even in the darkest situations, I could understand motivations and found myself cheering Audrey on, while seriously loathing a few of the Facebook Fifteen. Damanda doesn't shy away from the extremely tough subjects in this novel--suicide, bullying, punishments--but it works well and is very authentic. I highly recommend this, and the next two books in the series are high on my list!
December 28, 2022
I love it when the author creates a character I despise. I pray Maggie meets a gruesome death in either of the next two books. Come on, Damanda, don't let me down!
January 24, 2015
Click here to read my entire review!
What I Loved: Right away this book drags you into the drama and depression that is Audrey Bales and her messed up life. Audrey could be any girl that kids see in school every day, you never know what’s going on inside someone’s head and how heart breaking it can be for them to be bullied every single day. Going to school used to seem so simple, but through Audrey’s eyes you see it as the battlefield it truly can be. Marcus Damanda has a wonderful way of conveying Audrey’s total despair that immediately grips your heart and you instantly want to be the person to save this poor girl and tell her it gets better when you’re older.
I love that this story was constantly changing point of views, and the very sinister element that is the observer who lends to the paranormal aspect of this overall plot. You don’t know much about the observer and you know very little of what kind of powers this supernatural creature holds but you know in some way this thing is very very dangerous. As the story evolves you don’t just get Audrey’s point of view, but you get what her enemies are thinking as well, which either will make you hate them more or sympathize with their story.
Not So Much: I really loved this story which definitely pleasantly surprised me. But I guess the only complaint I would have is that I wish maybe there was some more build up in the beginning and more explanation. The story immediately drops you into Audrey’s life, and as the plot moves along you learn the events that led up to her making the decision to end her life. To me it would’ve been awesome to maybe experience those actions rather than just hear about them. The same can be said for this evil creature that is the 1,000 souls of dead children, like who do they answer to ultimately? Are there others like this creature, since there are certainly more than 1,000 dead children in the world? I would’ve liked to have learned more about all of that and maybe more background and foundation to the overall plot.
What I Loved: Right away this book drags you into the drama and depression that is Audrey Bales and her messed up life. Audrey could be any girl that kids see in school every day, you never know what’s going on inside someone’s head and how heart breaking it can be for them to be bullied every single day. Going to school used to seem so simple, but through Audrey’s eyes you see it as the battlefield it truly can be. Marcus Damanda has a wonderful way of conveying Audrey’s total despair that immediately grips your heart and you instantly want to be the person to save this poor girl and tell her it gets better when you’re older.
I love that this story was constantly changing point of views, and the very sinister element that is the observer who lends to the paranormal aspect of this overall plot. You don’t know much about the observer and you know very little of what kind of powers this supernatural creature holds but you know in some way this thing is very very dangerous. As the story evolves you don’t just get Audrey’s point of view, but you get what her enemies are thinking as well, which either will make you hate them more or sympathize with their story.
Not So Much: I really loved this story which definitely pleasantly surprised me. But I guess the only complaint I would have is that I wish maybe there was some more build up in the beginning and more explanation. The story immediately drops you into Audrey’s life, and as the plot moves along you learn the events that led up to her making the decision to end her life. To me it would’ve been awesome to maybe experience those actions rather than just hear about them. The same can be said for this evil creature that is the 1,000 souls of dead children, like who do they answer to ultimately? Are there others like this creature, since there are certainly more than 1,000 dead children in the world? I would’ve liked to have learned more about all of that and maybe more background and foundation to the overall plot.
January 31, 2015
Devils in the Dark by Marcus Damanda was terrifyingly delicious, sinister, and oh so good. The story focuses on Audrey Bales, poor Audrey Bales who reminds me so much of our youth today. She is the underdog, the bullied, the girl with a voice so small the ones that need to hear it don't, but there is one that does...and while scared, I'm intrigued by him.
I loved the way the author conveyed Audrey's despair, as heart wrenching as it was to watch Audrey go through her trials and tribulations, it was necessary to get inside her head, to understand and live through her pain with her. I couldn't help but think of high school when I attended and how vastly different it is now. Words didn't hurt any less then, but with Social Media today, it can pose a serious problem for kids, especially those targeted by groups of kids like the FB fifteen in this novel.
It raised all kinds of questions for me. How do you monitor bullying when you're up against the power of Social Media and the cruel kids behind it? I truly couldn't imagine having to go through it all again coupled with the new super power that is Social Media *insert a cringe here just thinking about it*
Back to the novel itself. It's gripping and powerful. The pace was fast and I loved the view points. Getting to hear the other voices only added the depth needed to fully understand the motives of those involved.
I would HIGHLY recommend Devils in the Dark to lovers of YA Adult and Horror. The next installment is loaded on my Kindle, patiently waiting for me to read it. I cannot wait to see what happens to Audrey and the band of characters Mr. Damanda so eloquently wove into this tale!
I loved the way the author conveyed Audrey's despair, as heart wrenching as it was to watch Audrey go through her trials and tribulations, it was necessary to get inside her head, to understand and live through her pain with her. I couldn't help but think of high school when I attended and how vastly different it is now. Words didn't hurt any less then, but with Social Media today, it can pose a serious problem for kids, especially those targeted by groups of kids like the FB fifteen in this novel.
It raised all kinds of questions for me. How do you monitor bullying when you're up against the power of Social Media and the cruel kids behind it? I truly couldn't imagine having to go through it all again coupled with the new super power that is Social Media *insert a cringe here just thinking about it*
Back to the novel itself. It's gripping and powerful. The pace was fast and I loved the view points. Getting to hear the other voices only added the depth needed to fully understand the motives of those involved.
I would HIGHLY recommend Devils in the Dark to lovers of YA Adult and Horror. The next installment is loaded on my Kindle, patiently waiting for me to read it. I cannot wait to see what happens to Audrey and the band of characters Mr. Damanda so eloquently wove into this tale!
November 22, 2014
This book pulls no punches. It takes you to dark places and drags you through grief and despair, and makes you feel the full weight of the effort and courage it takes to struggle out of the dark. The first chapter could have been taken from news stories that recur too frequently -- the ones that recount the persecution and suicide of someone the popular kids have decided is a misfit. But Audrey is not a news story; she's a girl so real and alive you will forget she lives in a book. Her anguish, and her long fight to live and thrive, will grip you by the heart.
Into the familiar and solid school he creates -- you can practically smell the locker room and hear the clamor between classes, feel the elbows and sharp edges of books as the students eddy past you in the hallway -- Marcus Damanda looses a nightmare shadow bent on vengeance.
It's a good read, and more to come!
Into the familiar and solid school he creates -- you can practically smell the locker room and hear the clamor between classes, feel the elbows and sharp edges of books as the students eddy past you in the hallway -- Marcus Damanda looses a nightmare shadow bent on vengeance.
It's a good read, and more to come!
November 29, 2014
A grisly chat session almost turns deadly. Audrey has been bullied in person and online to the point that she takes a knife to her arm. The Facebook Fifteen, a group of ruthless classmates who led her to this point, try to hide, but they can’t. Not from the authorities, and not from a mysterious entity who’s watching them. The entity has a computer and is tracking Audrey and her bullies. This entity is the master of hundreds of souls of dead children. He’s going to go after her bullies. Audrey heals and returns home, and she has no idea what has been brewing since she’s been gone.
This book is engaging with its fresh angle in the paranormal genre. Audrey is very real and I detested her bullies, except for one of them who shows some actual compassion towards her. The entity is deliciously evil and horrific. I can’t wait to read more about Audrey and him in book 2.
This book is engaging with its fresh angle in the paranormal genre. Audrey is very real and I detested her bullies, except for one of them who shows some actual compassion towards her. The entity is deliciously evil and horrific. I can’t wait to read more about Audrey and him in book 2.
January 4, 2015
This book will bring back the stomach churning fear that bullies inflict on their prey. In my day, bullying had to be done face to face, no hiding behind a computer screen. Not now. The insidious actions of the Facebook 15 and their effect is described in this book in horrible detail.
But the twist in this story is the watcher. And now, Audrey has a champion.
I really enjoyed this book. The author cleverly writes you slap bang into the middle of the action. I was absorbed by the events and the interactions, which all held the ring of truth.
The underlying sadness in the tale is like background noise. It permeates throughout the narrative, without being overt or distracting.
A great kick off to the series
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
But the twist in this story is the watcher. And now, Audrey has a champion.
I really enjoyed this book. The author cleverly writes you slap bang into the middle of the action. I was absorbed by the events and the interactions, which all held the ring of truth.
The underlying sadness in the tale is like background noise. It permeates throughout the narrative, without being overt or distracting.
A great kick off to the series
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2015
Loved this book. It sets up a sinister and rich story that flies along at the perfect pace. Audrey is a sweet, gutsy character who's been through hell. After a terrible cyberbullying incident, Audrey finds herself in a psychiatric institution trying to reassemble her sense of self. Her friendship with Gale, who is bipolar, is funny and revitalising. But if you think this book's going to be a cry-fest, you're wrong. There's something or someone brewing up a vengeful punishment for those kids who hurt Audrey. And getting close to her is the first thing on his list.
Fascinating and sinister ... Damanda at his horrifying best!
Fascinating and sinister ... Damanda at his horrifying best!
December 9, 2014
I loved this book. Damanda really captures the true feelings and drama of teenagers and bullies. He really makes one want to root for Audrey and her plight against a group of people who just want to bring her down. Great read!
February 22, 2015
Wow, just wow. Grabs you, pulls you in and won't let you go, you've just GOT to turn the next page to see what happens next. Good fast read, very relevant to teenagers in today's time, but with a spooky twist.
Loved it, and highly recommend it.
Loved it, and highly recommend it.
December 15, 2014
Review Coming Soon!!
August 9, 2018
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
‘Devils in the Dark’ by Marcus Damanda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on August 8, 2018
$3.99 on Kindle | $13.08 on Audiobook
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Audrey Bales is being bullied. To her bullies, who come to be known as the Facebook Fifteen, it’s all fun and games until Audrey attempts suicide. Audrey gets put away, and the Facebook Fifteen face the consequences of their actions.
But their chat session did not go unobserved. Their cruelty draws the attention of a mysterious, ancient evil, and it’s not going away until their debt is paid.
MY REVIEW:
In this first installment of Marcus Damanda’s series, ‘The Devil in Miss Drake’s Class’, we are introduced to Audrey Bales and those who torment her. Audrey is a sad girl, tortured by the death of her brother, Alex, and the mean kids at Fairview High pick up on it right away. Their bullying becomes too much for her, causing her to take drastic measures. Ones that will forever change her life and those of her bullies.
‘Devils in the Dark’ seamlessly melds a contemporary tale of what it’s like to be bullied with the paranormal making for an interesting and engaging story.
I blew through this book in less than two days and am already in the middle of the second. It’s the sort of story I don’t want to put down. I want -- no, need -- to know what becomes of Audrey and her bullies, but mostly I want to know about Alastair.
Unlike a lot of paranormal young adult novels, the spooky part of the plot does not overpower the “real life” stuff. It’s obvious that Damanda understands teenagers, their lives, and their concerns. We still get a complex view of Damanda’s characters -- their personalities and their struggles. The addition of a host containing 1000 children dead by suicide somehow fits seamlessly into the plot. It’s not all about the paranormal, and I really appreciate that. (Imagine that, coming from an avid horror consumer! ;))
Damanda is quickly rising to be one of my favorite authors. His range is admirable, and his writing style is right up my alley.
I cannot wait to see what lies ahead in this series.
‘Devils in the Dark’ by Marcus Damanda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on August 8, 2018
$3.99 on Kindle | $13.08 on Audiobook
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Audrey Bales is being bullied. To her bullies, who come to be known as the Facebook Fifteen, it’s all fun and games until Audrey attempts suicide. Audrey gets put away, and the Facebook Fifteen face the consequences of their actions.
But their chat session did not go unobserved. Their cruelty draws the attention of a mysterious, ancient evil, and it’s not going away until their debt is paid.
MY REVIEW:
In this first installment of Marcus Damanda’s series, ‘The Devil in Miss Drake’s Class’, we are introduced to Audrey Bales and those who torment her. Audrey is a sad girl, tortured by the death of her brother, Alex, and the mean kids at Fairview High pick up on it right away. Their bullying becomes too much for her, causing her to take drastic measures. Ones that will forever change her life and those of her bullies.
‘Devils in the Dark’ seamlessly melds a contemporary tale of what it’s like to be bullied with the paranormal making for an interesting and engaging story.
I blew through this book in less than two days and am already in the middle of the second. It’s the sort of story I don’t want to put down. I want -- no, need -- to know what becomes of Audrey and her bullies, but mostly I want to know about Alastair.
Unlike a lot of paranormal young adult novels, the spooky part of the plot does not overpower the “real life” stuff. It’s obvious that Damanda understands teenagers, their lives, and their concerns. We still get a complex view of Damanda’s characters -- their personalities and their struggles. The addition of a host containing 1000 children dead by suicide somehow fits seamlessly into the plot. It’s not all about the paranormal, and I really appreciate that. (Imagine that, coming from an avid horror consumer! ;))
Damanda is quickly rising to be one of my favorite authors. His range is admirable, and his writing style is right up my alley.
I cannot wait to see what lies ahead in this series.
September 5, 2017
** Review of Audio Format **
FB 15 Should Die!
Audrey Bales is cyberbullied relentlessly, even by a former BFF, until she finally shuts everyone up with a suicide attempt. An attempt that very nearly succeeds. Instead, Audrey is sent to a mental hospital where she meets Gail and battles the ghost of her dead brother, Alex. Meanwhile, the Facebook 15, as the classmates who goaded Audrey to suicide, are dubbed all but get off the hook. This draws the attention of the soul at the front of the line of 1,000 souls who have committed suicide in the past. He likes Audrey. He likes her a lot.
I am Marcus Damanda fan and this book was even better than I expected. I am on to the 2nd in the series now because I couldn't wait to get going on it.
Jessica McEvoy puts in another outstanding performance. Her narration, intonation, and voices all mesh until you are absorbed deeply into the story and don't want it to end. I did listen on 1.5 speed.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! and am leaving honest feedback about the quality of the material.
FB 15 Should Die!
Audrey Bales is cyberbullied relentlessly, even by a former BFF, until she finally shuts everyone up with a suicide attempt. An attempt that very nearly succeeds. Instead, Audrey is sent to a mental hospital where she meets Gail and battles the ghost of her dead brother, Alex. Meanwhile, the Facebook 15, as the classmates who goaded Audrey to suicide, are dubbed all but get off the hook. This draws the attention of the soul at the front of the line of 1,000 souls who have committed suicide in the past. He likes Audrey. He likes her a lot.
I am Marcus Damanda fan and this book was even better than I expected. I am on to the 2nd in the series now because I couldn't wait to get going on it.
Jessica McEvoy puts in another outstanding performance. Her narration, intonation, and voices all mesh until you are absorbed deeply into the story and don't want it to end. I did listen on 1.5 speed.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! and am leaving honest feedback about the quality of the material.
November 20, 2020
I loved this book! I've become a huge fan of Marcus Damanda and was looking forward to reading this series for a bit. The action starts pretty early on with Audrey making a huge decisions. Most of the rest of the book is character building, but incredibly important character building. It allows us to see more of the Facebook Fifteen, as her bullies have become known. We also learn a lot more about Audrey and what has gotten us to where we are. I absolutely adore Gail and Bales! They're such a fabulous duo and I love what they do to help each other out. I'm really intrigued by the observer and can't wait to find out more about that mystery. A great start to a series that leaves so much open for the next two parts!
January 10, 2017
In a situation that seems pulled from the headlines, high school student Audrey Bales finds herself the subject of cyber-bullying. She attempts suicide publicly on Facebook, but one of the tormentors, a former friend, fortunately has a change of heart and calls 911 just in time. This short novel follows the Audrey's road to recovery and the punishment meted out to the bullies. Lurking in the background is a mysterious stranger, hoping to find justice and release. Overall, a realistic and suspenseful novel with some moments that hint at even scarier stuff to come further down the series.
December 29, 2018
Dark, mysterious, intriguing start to new series
Definitely a worthwhile read. It was dark and intense. I was so immersed with the story that I couldn't turn pages fast enough to find out what will happen next. Author deals with the though topic of abuse, suicide and other issues. Story line is really thought through and the way it is narrated makes it even more interesting and let reader to connect with characters and be compassionate. I can't wait to read next part.
Definitely a worthwhile read. It was dark and intense. I was so immersed with the story that I couldn't turn pages fast enough to find out what will happen next. Author deals with the though topic of abuse, suicide and other issues. Story line is really thought through and the way it is narrated makes it even more interesting and let reader to connect with characters and be compassionate. I can't wait to read next part.
April 24, 2020
She is being bullied online and those doing it think it is just a game until she uses a knife to die. She is found and sent away to heal but trouble will soon come. An evil is arising and the leader like her. They will help.destroy the bullies when she is released. Will the attack be deadly? Will she want it to stop? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2019
This is the 4th book I've read written by Marcus Damanda; he has done an excellent job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of his books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2017
This book throws you right into the action in the first paragraph and never lets up. It's definitely a thrilling ride. It deals with relative teenage issues: cyber bullying, peer pressure, etc., but with a paranormal twist. I'm already involved in all of the characters, even "The Observer," and am anxious to see where the story leads.
If I have one negative thing to say about this book, it's that it ends rather abruptly, and didn't seem to me to be a whole story with a beginning, middle, and end. At only 89 pages, many more things could have been explained further. I know there are three books in the series, but this one felt to me like a beginning and a middle, and I'm afraid the next book will only have more middle.
I guess I will have to see, as book two is next on my TBR list. And here I go...
If I have one negative thing to say about this book, it's that it ends rather abruptly, and didn't seem to me to be a whole story with a beginning, middle, and end. At only 89 pages, many more things could have been explained further. I know there are three books in the series, but this one felt to me like a beginning and a middle, and I'm afraid the next book will only have more middle.
I guess I will have to see, as book two is next on my TBR list. And here I go...
June 20, 2016
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
Overall, I liked this book. It addresses the major issues of bullying and mental illness - both of which are not talked about enough IMO.
Two things I didn't love: 1. The paranormal aspect seemed like a little bit of a side note. 2. It was too short. I think if it had been longer, it could have gone more into the background and detail of the paranormal side of things, and brought everything together a little more.
I do plan on reading the next book in the series.
Overall, I liked this book. It addresses the major issues of bullying and mental illness - both of which are not talked about enough IMO.
Two things I didn't love: 1. The paranormal aspect seemed like a little bit of a side note. 2. It was too short. I think if it had been longer, it could have gone more into the background and detail of the paranormal side of things, and brought everything together a little more.
I do plan on reading the next book in the series.
May 21, 2016
“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”
A YA book about a teen girl being bullied both in person and on-line. She is pushed to attempting suicide. The bullies are about to meet justice. The girl's life will never be the same.
This book captured me from the start and never slowed. I look forward to the next book.
The narration was well done. The characters were excellently portrayed.
A YA book about a teen girl being bullied both in person and on-line. She is pushed to attempting suicide. The bullies are about to meet justice. The girl's life will never be the same.
This book captured me from the start and never slowed. I look forward to the next book.
The narration was well done. The characters were excellently portrayed.
May 23, 2016
an amazing story about bullying
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews