Cevil Day Mare

by R.M. McDonald

When tragedy shatters Cassandra’s faith, a spiritual breach admits a civil yet sinister Devil whose presence exposes the rot in her holy world and reveals that her true sanctuary lies in the dark.

Cassandra Troy lived her life behind the safety of her devotion. Her faith was a shield, but when the death of her sister shakes that faith, the protective barrier around her soul cracks.

Through the breach steps a stranger—civil, compelling, and dangerous. He doesn't come with horns or brimstone, but with quiet revelations and an unsettling charm. The more he lingers, the more tarnish is exposed on the polished facade of her sacred life.

As the line between holy and damned blurs, Cassandra is forced to make a cling to the righteous decay around her or surrender to the sanctuary of darkness.

Cevil Day Mare is a dark speculative novella featuring a gentleman Devil, a faith-shattering subversion of good vs. evil, and a gothic dark romance shift. Perfect for fans of dark, atmospheric reads that make you question everything.

95 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 19, 2026

Reviews

[Pranav Bhatnagar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cevil Day Mare is the kind of strange little story that made me stop and think about what I was actually reading. Cassandra is grieving her sister when the Devil suddenly enters her life and starts challenging everything she has believed about faith, temptation and what it means to be good. What I found most interesting was that Cassandra does not simply become a helpless character caught between good and evil. She questions what she is being told, argues with the people around her and tries to understand her own feelings instead of accepting easy answers. Her faith is a huge part of her identity, so watching that certainty being challenged gave the story much more weight than I expected. I also enjoyed how the book plays with the idea of temptation. The Devil is not written as a simple monster. He talks, argues, tempts and even makes Cassandra question whether the line between good and evil is as clear as she once believed. That made some of their conversations surprisingly interesting. Father Edmond's role also gave me plenty to think about because Cassandra has to decide for herself who deserves her trust. The story is definitely not for everyone. It deals openly with religion, sexuality, grief and the idea of evil from a perspective that is meant to challenge the reader. For me, that was part of the appeal. I never felt like the book was trying to give me a comfortable answer. It wanted me to sit with uncomfortable questions. And honestly, I enjoyed that. Beneath the dark humour and provocative subject matter, I found a woman trying to understand herself after losing someone she loved. That emotional thread gave the story a heart I wasn't expecting.

[James Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rechell has done it again! I read this novella as a ARC copy. The recesses of her mind must be both a beautiful and terrifying place.
As ever this book led me down paths I did not expect to go. As one who has struggled and abandoned faith this book touches home in so many subtle ways. The journey of finding disillusionment and then freedom in realization told in such a way is; well not comforting but familiar. The pain of loss both physical and metaphysical are so well written. as are the realizations that maybe faith is just a trap. Although I have not actually met Lucifer it is possible that a meeting could go just the way described. Oh and also the dilemma & delight of delectable self discovery does not disappoint.
The end in trademark fashion is unpredictable and intriguing.

I will buy & read everything that Rechell prints, and even though I had the privilege of reading this for free I have already purchased my preorder.

[Mori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly fascinating story. You can feel the grief and love on every page, love for her sister, love for her faith. I'm not a religious person, but I always thought people needed something to believe to hold them up. This story talks just about that. How when you lose your holding grace you fall. That's true about Cassandra and is the whole point why Lucifer was cast from heaven. He lost faith in his father.
(Yeah, not being religious, and liking theology are two different things in my opinion.)
I loved the author's way with words. The story is short but says everything it needs. The cover is beautiful and I loved the chapters names.
I would definitely look into McDonald's next work.

[Sherri Lynn Parent · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lines between good and evil blur pretty quickly in this novella!
It was not what I expected it would be, but was still a read that made you think, what am I actually reading?
McDonald has a mind that can create stories from amazingly dark places that have so much depth and power. Her words make you stop and think about what is going on around you. Her stories have a hidden light, that you need to find within just to make yourself aware of the darkness too.

It's a bit of a mind blowing experience to be honest.

I look forward to reading more!
Thank you for the Advanced Reader Copy!

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

My main thought on Cevil day mare was interesting. Interesting good. This Book delves into themes of grief, religion and the souls of humankind. If you’re into the exploration of religion and spicy devils this would be right up your alley. The only thing that confused me was the devil’s relationship with Libby, did he love her? It’s implied only those fallen from gods Grace can see evil so was it a random love from afar kind of situation with both of them. I’m glad he called God out on their bs though, overall it was a good read!

[Angela Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️ | 2 Chili Peppers

Civil Day Mare was such an interesting read! 🖤

This book dives into themes of religion, grief, and the choices we make when life leaves us questioning everything we believe in.

Our FMC finds herself facing some pretty heavy questions when the Devil himself comes knocking with an offer. And honestly, when grief is involved and you're questioning your faith, how do you decide what you're willing to believe in… or what you're willing to risk?

[Gabrielle David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short novella that packs a surprisingly emotional punch! I loved the way the story slowly blurs the line between good and evil. Cassandra’s journey was captivating, and the Devil was such an intriguing character—charming, mysterious, and just the right amount of dangerous. 🖤

The ending added an extra layer of emotion that I really loved. A quick, spicy, beautifully dark read 🔥🖤

[Liz · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

10/10, no notes.

Oh, this was a whole vibe. I only wish it was a full blown novel because I need more of this.

Cassandra is confronted with her withering and dying faith by none other than the Devil himself. He stalks, seduces, and attempts to entice her beyond what her faith has taught her to believe is right and pure.

Her eyes are opened to the deviousness of those in her own parish force her to confront more untruths. And the devil is at every turn, whispering heresy in her ear that she starts to see may be true after all.

I love these spins/re-imaginings on the devil and god and faith.

I received this as ARC in exchange for an honest review.