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The Devil's Game
What would you do if a man claiming to be the devil himself showed up in your town?
From bestselling Christian fiction author Daniel Patterson comes his latest Christian fiction suspense thriller, The Devil's Game.
One part thriller, one part suspense, and a touch of romance, The Devil's Game is an uplifting story about a young pastor whose work takes an unexpected turn when a man shows up claiming to be the devil himself.
Fresh out of Bible college, James Buchman has found a good life for himself as the pastor of a small church in rural upstate New York. But beyond the joy of new friends and young love lurks a deadly secret.
When inexplicable events leave innocent souls teetering on the edge of destruction, James can't help but wonder if the congregation's mysterious newcomer may somehow be responsible.
Faced with a force of pure, malevolent evil, is James' faith and courage enough to vanquish darkness? One thing is certain-darker times are coming.
From bestselling Christian fiction author Daniel Patterson comes his latest Christian fiction suspense thriller, The Devil's Game.
One part thriller, one part suspense, and a touch of romance, The Devil's Game is an uplifting story about a young pastor whose work takes an unexpected turn when a man shows up claiming to be the devil himself.
Fresh out of Bible college, James Buchman has found a good life for himself as the pastor of a small church in rural upstate New York. But beyond the joy of new friends and young love lurks a deadly secret.
When inexplicable events leave innocent souls teetering on the edge of destruction, James can't help but wonder if the congregation's mysterious newcomer may somehow be responsible.
Faced with a force of pure, malevolent evil, is James' faith and courage enough to vanquish darkness? One thing is certain-darker times are coming.
278 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2013
129 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 27, 2019
Just Ordinary
First off I received this book as a free gift, so I’m thankful that I received it. However I wasn’t overwhelmed. Any book that advertises itself is fast pace should be suspected. This one wasn’t very fast-paced.
However I did appreciate the Christian overtones
First off I received this book as a free gift, so I’m thankful that I received it. However I wasn’t overwhelmed. Any book that advertises itself is fast pace should be suspected. This one wasn’t very fast-paced.
However I did appreciate the Christian overtones
November 11, 2014
Nice story but missing one major character. Jesus was a no show, not even an honorary mention. How does a Pastor spar with Satan and not employ the name of the One who has defeated him?
January 28, 2014
I have to admit to feeling fairly disappointed with this somewhat predictable, really unsubtle spiritual warfare novel. Very pale shades of Peretti.
Where Peretti grabs the reader and holds them with gripping stories and characters, The Devil's Game did not have that type of hold at all. The characters, including Satan, were very stereotypical and I did not feel any great sense of connection to them or their cliché-named town, Harmony.
Although unintentional, I'm sure, the strongest message communicated (without actually saying it) was "the devil made me do it," and that did not sit all that well with me. Again, the author may not have meant that to be the underlying message, but it was.
The conclusion came in a rush, with a fairly clichéd action climax. Then there was an epilogue, and that was it. All wrapped up neatly for Harmony, with a teaser of future adventures for the two pastors.
Having said all that, I didn't dislike The Devil's Game. Honest. I just expected more. More character development; more plot; more story. I would probably rate it 2.5 rather than 3, but it does deserve more than 2. It is a quick read that doesn't demand a great deal of the reader. Stories like this will always find a market with Christian readers hungry for the next This Present Darkness. It had potential, and I guess I can understand the many good ratings, but unlike Peretti's classics, The Devil's Game did not leave me breathless or longing for more. It actually made me want to dig out those old Peretti classics and re-read them instead.
Where Peretti grabs the reader and holds them with gripping stories and characters, The Devil's Game did not have that type of hold at all. The characters, including Satan, were very stereotypical and I did not feel any great sense of connection to them or their cliché-named town, Harmony.
Although unintentional, I'm sure, the strongest message communicated (without actually saying it) was "the devil made me do it," and that did not sit all that well with me. Again, the author may not have meant that to be the underlying message, but it was.
The conclusion came in a rush, with a fairly clichéd action climax. Then there was an epilogue, and that was it. All wrapped up neatly for Harmony, with a teaser of future adventures for the two pastors.
Having said all that, I didn't dislike The Devil's Game. Honest. I just expected more. More character development; more plot; more story. I would probably rate it 2.5 rather than 3, but it does deserve more than 2. It is a quick read that doesn't demand a great deal of the reader. Stories like this will always find a market with Christian readers hungry for the next This Present Darkness. It had potential, and I guess I can understand the many good ratings, but unlike Peretti's classics, The Devil's Game did not leave me breathless or longing for more. It actually made me want to dig out those old Peretti classics and re-read them instead.
January 30, 2014
This book was very interesting to me, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters a bit. I do wish the book had been a bit longer with more details, and I didn't want it to end where it did. I am hoping that there will be another book, making this a new series by the author.
January 11, 2014
Quick read. Not very thought provoking.
December 9, 2018
This book is a quick read, which in my opinion is one of its best qualities. The prospect of a modern confrontation with the devil in the flesh is one that I found intriguing as I prepared to read this book, but for me it lacked a level of depth that would have made it more interesting and enjoyable.
I feel like the characters and the story itself are both relatively shallow, which result in a disengaged and uninterested reader. Also, the idea that the devil has the level of control over individuals that is described in this story is one to which I do not subscribe.
It certainly isn't all negative. There are elements in this story that I really appreciate, and the overall theme of good vs. evil is a tried and true winner. In many ways I felt like I came away from this book not really understanding what it was all about, who the characters really were, and how they fit into the plot, so it isn't my favorite.
I do believe there is some good originality and potential within this story. I think I could have enjoyed it a lot more if it had been filled out with some more details and tried to be a little more real.
I feel like the characters and the story itself are both relatively shallow, which result in a disengaged and uninterested reader. Also, the idea that the devil has the level of control over individuals that is described in this story is one to which I do not subscribe.
It certainly isn't all negative. There are elements in this story that I really appreciate, and the overall theme of good vs. evil is a tried and true winner. In many ways I felt like I came away from this book not really understanding what it was all about, who the characters really were, and how they fit into the plot, so it isn't my favorite.
I do believe there is some good originality and potential within this story. I think I could have enjoyed it a lot more if it had been filled out with some more details and tried to be a little more real.
November 25, 2018
A sinister voice telling the older reverend he didn’t look so good. He had gone to the police , and to end with giving words of forgiveness, As the killer squeezed the life from him. James had been at this church for three months, coming straight from the seminar. New man in this small community looking not young nor old. What was he here for, they soon found out. Going and praying for those door to door, praying as a united front saved many, Hopefully nothing like that comes again.
April 15, 2024
This book was a powerful Christian message of the tricks Satan plays on people!
I enjoyed it, the message behind it is very powerful with Satan playing games with a small town. Just always remember that God is more powerful than Satan, no matter what Satan wants you to believe!
If you are a fan of Christian books, or a fan of Frank Peretti books, then this is the book for you!
I enjoyed it, the message behind it is very powerful with Satan playing games with a small town. Just always remember that God is more powerful than Satan, no matter what Satan wants you to believe!
If you are a fan of Christian books, or a fan of Frank Peretti books, then this is the book for you!
February 23, 2018
Fantastic book
Thank you Mr. Patterson for writing this great book. It was a wonderful read.
The characters were especially good and the setting was great.
Lot's of twists and turns. Will recommend to lots of people.
Thank you Mr. Patterson for writing this great book. It was a wonderful read.
The characters were especially good and the setting was great.
Lot's of twists and turns. Will recommend to lots of people.
July 1, 2022
A Heart Pounding Book!
I devoured this book so fast. I couldn’t put it down. Satan manifests himself as a man. Good verses evil in a small town with God fearing people. I loved the plot and the way it shows how powerful prayer is in adversity. Loved it!!
I devoured this book so fast. I couldn’t put it down. Satan manifests himself as a man. Good verses evil in a small town with God fearing people. I loved the plot and the way it shows how powerful prayer is in adversity. Loved it!!
November 10, 2014
Not since Stephen King or Frank Peretti have I come across such an exceptional Christian Supernatural Suspense until I picked up Daniel Patterson's The Devil's Game. In fact if you asked Simon Paradis, Harmony's newest resident, he would tell you that you have lived yet until you have met him. Things are going to get a whole lot more interesting for the people in Harmony. What they don't realize is that their very souls are on the line and the last time, Simon came to town, every single person died who chose to stay and see if they could match wits with him.
Reverend James Buchman at New Hope Church knows that the man in front of him wearing a long, black coat that is frayed at the edges, long hair and a black goatee with some gray in it, looks much older than he appears even though he can't put his finger on it. Simon Paradis seems to be able to charm his way into volunteering to help out all the people who are part of James church. Little do they really know what his true motives are. Not only is he able to control the thoughts of people he likes to call "weak-minded" but he has a sinister plot in mind if he can only get rid of Reverend Buchman.
He knows that subtlety and patience go a long way to bring his plans to fulfillment and all he needs is to convince a few key players in town to do their part to keep Reverend Buchman busy trying to save some people while he begins his deadly game. All he was hoping for was for the Reverend to be willing to lay down his life for his flock or in a twist of fate, simply leave town and Simon will take care of the rest In fact his sinister past has decimated cities in the past, and he is looking to make Harmony his latest target. With Reverend Buchman have enough faith to beat the devil at his own game? Check this one out and see!
For fans of Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker and Stephen King, you will definitely want to pick this one up. It's easy to get addicted to it and you can literally inhale this one in a matter of hours. This is a supernatural thriller that pits the devil against the pastor to see who will ultimately win in this spiritual battle for the town of Harmony. This is the first book in the Reverend Buchman Series and at this time is only available for eBook readers. This book is so well written because it engages you from the first chapter and before you know it, you're done. It does have a bit of a cliff hanger ending so you know that the battle continues and Simon is still on the loose. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and LOVE this genre, not to mention it's a Christian suspense thriller! I can't wait for more from Daniel Peterson.
Reverend James Buchman at New Hope Church knows that the man in front of him wearing a long, black coat that is frayed at the edges, long hair and a black goatee with some gray in it, looks much older than he appears even though he can't put his finger on it. Simon Paradis seems to be able to charm his way into volunteering to help out all the people who are part of James church. Little do they really know what his true motives are. Not only is he able to control the thoughts of people he likes to call "weak-minded" but he has a sinister plot in mind if he can only get rid of Reverend Buchman.
He knows that subtlety and patience go a long way to bring his plans to fulfillment and all he needs is to convince a few key players in town to do their part to keep Reverend Buchman busy trying to save some people while he begins his deadly game. All he was hoping for was for the Reverend to be willing to lay down his life for his flock or in a twist of fate, simply leave town and Simon will take care of the rest In fact his sinister past has decimated cities in the past, and he is looking to make Harmony his latest target. With Reverend Buchman have enough faith to beat the devil at his own game? Check this one out and see!
For fans of Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker and Stephen King, you will definitely want to pick this one up. It's easy to get addicted to it and you can literally inhale this one in a matter of hours. This is a supernatural thriller that pits the devil against the pastor to see who will ultimately win in this spiritual battle for the town of Harmony. This is the first book in the Reverend Buchman Series and at this time is only available for eBook readers. This book is so well written because it engages you from the first chapter and before you know it, you're done. It does have a bit of a cliff hanger ending so you know that the battle continues and Simon is still on the loose. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and LOVE this genre, not to mention it's a Christian suspense thriller! I can't wait for more from Daniel Peterson.
January 9, 2014
A fairly short book, but a good read. Interesting concept; kept my attention the entire time, wondering what would happen next. Was disappointed by what at first seemed like a rather abrupt ending, but the more I thought about it, I decided it was appropriate. It also left the door wide open for additional chapters to this story, which I hope will happen.
June 7, 2014
Fun and interesting read
it has a good pace. easy to follow. a lot if truth in it. only concern is the idea that Satan or his demons could read our minds. they can place thoughts in our minds so that was true to scripture. like the humility of the young pastor. Will read more of Patterson's books.
it has a good pace. easy to follow. a lot if truth in it. only concern is the idea that Satan or his demons could read our minds. they can place thoughts in our minds so that was true to scripture. like the humility of the young pastor. Will read more of Patterson's books.
April 9, 2016
Good standalone fiction-book with God in the mix
This was a pretty good story. It's about a priest who fights Satan in human form, from destroying a small town. It talks a lot about God and faith by way of the main character, a young pastor with a new congregation. I enjoyed it but if prayers and discussions about faith and believing in God bother you, then this is not a book for you.
This was a pretty good story. It's about a priest who fights Satan in human form, from destroying a small town. It talks a lot about God and faith by way of the main character, a young pastor with a new congregation. I enjoyed it but if prayers and discussions about faith and believing in God bother you, then this is not a book for you.
August 9, 2015
The book kept me interested till the end justifying the classification to the thriller genre. The plot development can be improved by involving characters from slightly more diverse backgrounds. The Novel has a wonderful faith element to it and is a great christian novel.
February 22, 2016
Disappointed
Basic good verses evil plot with with a rather poor near romance. After reading The Tindale Code and Codex this was a let down. Not the quality I was expecting. I believe 3 stars is generous. Not going to read the sequel.
Basic good verses evil plot with with a rather poor near romance. After reading The Tindale Code and Codex this was a let down. Not the quality I was expecting. I believe 3 stars is generous. Not going to read the sequel.
July 18, 2014
Very impressed with this spiritual suspense. This was a very fast paced novel, easy read, yet, very thought provoking. I really enjoyed it!
September 3, 2013
great suspenseful read!!
February 8, 2015
Entertaining
A good fictional story with biblical truths mixed into the action. It makes one wonder how many physical problems have spiritual causes.
A good fictional story with biblical truths mixed into the action. It makes one wonder how many physical problems have spiritual causes.
March 2, 2015
Good book I recommended to others.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews