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The Devoured
The Elder Gods have come to the Old West.
The old man had lost nearly everything- his family, his home, his war. Now, after years of bloody conflict, he must confront a malevolent cosmic entity to save his only son.
Armed with little more than steel and hatred, the old man embarks on a hopeless war against the devouring gods from beyond the stars and their agents on earth. His only ally is a young orphan, recently freed from slavery. Together they leave a trail of bullets and bodies from Oakland to Omaha, battling witches, evangelical cannibals, Native shamans, and possessed lawmen. Their final stop: an accursed railroad town where the old man will make a final stand for his son’s life against the first amongst the Devourers – the dark titan Thurs.
The Devoured is a grim and compelling new vision of The Old West, filtered through Norse and Native American myth. Join the dark journey!
The old man had lost nearly everything- his family, his home, his war. Now, after years of bloody conflict, he must confront a malevolent cosmic entity to save his only son.
Armed with little more than steel and hatred, the old man embarks on a hopeless war against the devouring gods from beyond the stars and their agents on earth. His only ally is a young orphan, recently freed from slavery. Together they leave a trail of bullets and bodies from Oakland to Omaha, battling witches, evangelical cannibals, Native shamans, and possessed lawmen. Their final stop: an accursed railroad town where the old man will make a final stand for his son’s life against the first amongst the Devourers – the dark titan Thurs.
The Devoured is a grim and compelling new vision of The Old West, filtered through Norse and Native American myth. Join the dark journey!
167 pages, ebook
First published June 19, 2015
11 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Curtis M. Lawson
43 books234 followersCurtis M. Lawson is a writer of unapologetically weird, dark fiction, poetry, and comics. His work includes Black Heart Boys' Choir, It’s a Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad World, and The Devoured.
Curtis is a member of the Horror Writer’s Association and hosts the Wyrd Transmissions podcast.
Curtis is a member of the Horror Writer’s Association and hosts the Wyrd Transmissions podcast.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 2, 2017
THE DEVOURED is an insane read. Insane, I say!
A man leaves his wife and child to fight in the civil war. His wife, (and therefore his son, Emmett), are of native American heritage and while the man is gone, his wife becomes ill. Emmett, big for his age of 16, decides to seek out his mother's father, a Shaman, (from whom she's been estranged), to request a cure for her illness. Can she be cured? And if so, will she be cured? Lastly, what is the price for that cure? You'll have to read this to find out!
This book seems to have elements of everything. By that, I mean it has a western feel to it, along with some Norse mythology, (Thurs, giants, Utgard, at one point there was a large tree- Yggdrasil?), witches, cannibals, and I don't even know what else. You might think that there is just too much going on, but somehow Curtis Lawson pulls it all together within the framework of a man trying to save his family.
I especially liked the characters of the old man, (I'm not sure if he was ever named?), and his companion, a young black boy named Hank. At first, I liked Emmett, but his turn down a dark road changed that by the time it was all over.
It took a while for everything to gel for me, because there was a lot going on, but when it did, I was impressed by the skills on display. Lawson's knowledge of history and mythology is impressive. I was feeling slightly off balance due to all the different aspects of the tale, but I finally stopped worrying that I was missing something and just let the story sweep me along. And that it did, right up to the brick wall that is the denouement. It was just the type of ending that I love!
I listened to this book on audio, which was narrated by Jason Sprenger. I've never listened to his narrations before, but I thought he was excellent. His voicing of the different characters was very good, but his main voice was the BEST, reminding me of Sam Elliott at times.
Overall, this book was just plain FUN! A mixed up combination of genres, mythology, American history and more, I can't think of another book or author, (well, maybe Tim Curran?), that can blend such things successfully. Curtis Lawson did so, and did it in spades.
Highly recommended!
You can get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/The-Devoured/d...
*I received a digital copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*
A man leaves his wife and child to fight in the civil war. His wife, (and therefore his son, Emmett), are of native American heritage and while the man is gone, his wife becomes ill. Emmett, big for his age of 16, decides to seek out his mother's father, a Shaman, (from whom she's been estranged), to request a cure for her illness. Can she be cured? And if so, will she be cured? Lastly, what is the price for that cure? You'll have to read this to find out!
This book seems to have elements of everything. By that, I mean it has a western feel to it, along with some Norse mythology, (Thurs, giants, Utgard, at one point there was a large tree- Yggdrasil?), witches, cannibals, and I don't even know what else. You might think that there is just too much going on, but somehow Curtis Lawson pulls it all together within the framework of a man trying to save his family.
I especially liked the characters of the old man, (I'm not sure if he was ever named?), and his companion, a young black boy named Hank. At first, I liked Emmett, but his turn down a dark road changed that by the time it was all over.
It took a while for everything to gel for me, because there was a lot going on, but when it did, I was impressed by the skills on display. Lawson's knowledge of history and mythology is impressive. I was feeling slightly off balance due to all the different aspects of the tale, but I finally stopped worrying that I was missing something and just let the story sweep me along. And that it did, right up to the brick wall that is the denouement. It was just the type of ending that I love!
I listened to this book on audio, which was narrated by Jason Sprenger. I've never listened to his narrations before, but I thought he was excellent. His voicing of the different characters was very good, but his main voice was the BEST, reminding me of Sam Elliott at times.
Overall, this book was just plain FUN! A mixed up combination of genres, mythology, American history and more, I can't think of another book or author, (well, maybe Tim Curran?), that can blend such things successfully. Curtis Lawson did so, and did it in spades.
Highly recommended!
You can get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/The-Devoured/d...
*I received a digital copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it.*
August 16, 2017
Review: THE DEVOURED by Curtis M. Lawson
I am in awe of author Curtis M. Lawson, who brings to the table a towering intellect (my brain stretches reading his work) and a wide-ranging imagination. He also possesses an incredible grasp of language, laying down phrases like you wouldn't believe (but yet, here they are on the page). Often I pause to savour a turn of phrase, or a description, before continuing. I wouldn't classify his cosmology as fully Lovecraftian (he's far too clever to let his philosophy be limited) but it is Lovecraftian enough to suit this aficionado, and his writings acknowledge that Beyond so far distant from the puny concerns and miniscule concepts of humans (check out his collection BLACK PANTHEONS).
On the surface, THE DEVOURED is a tale set in California near the end of The War Between The States (and oh, the perspective author Lawson puts on that war resounds with clarity and discernment). An adolescent boy, oversized in body, with a good mind, devotion to his Paiute mother, and admiration for his Nordic father, finds himself in charge after Father travels to Texas in aid of the doomed Confederacy. His beloved mother falls ill and approaches death. When the God of Israel seems to provide no answer nor healing, he seeks out his shaman maternal grandfather, an evil man, also dying. Emmett gradually discovers planes of existence, entities, and evils not known to the majority of mortals. Not only the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
I am in awe of author Curtis M. Lawson, who brings to the table a towering intellect (my brain stretches reading his work) and a wide-ranging imagination. He also possesses an incredible grasp of language, laying down phrases like you wouldn't believe (but yet, here they are on the page). Often I pause to savour a turn of phrase, or a description, before continuing. I wouldn't classify his cosmology as fully Lovecraftian (he's far too clever to let his philosophy be limited) but it is Lovecraftian enough to suit this aficionado, and his writings acknowledge that Beyond so far distant from the puny concerns and miniscule concepts of humans (check out his collection BLACK PANTHEONS).
On the surface, THE DEVOURED is a tale set in California near the end of The War Between The States (and oh, the perspective author Lawson puts on that war resounds with clarity and discernment). An adolescent boy, oversized in body, with a good mind, devotion to his Paiute mother, and admiration for his Nordic father, finds himself in charge after Father travels to Texas in aid of the doomed Confederacy. His beloved mother falls ill and approaches death. When the God of Israel seems to provide no answer nor healing, he seeks out his shaman maternal grandfather, an evil man, also dying. Emmett gradually discovers planes of existence, entities, and evils not known to the majority of mortals. Not only the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
August 10, 2015
Though I hadn't read very much of Curtis M. Lawson's previous work, I will be looking out for more for sure. This is a fun and wild ride and full of some great scenes. It also has a great ending.
March 20, 2016
I recieved a copy of this eBook from the author in return for an honest review.
"Devoured" has it all- cowboys,Indians,the dark old Norse gods,witches,cannibals,and more.
The story of a young man who will do anything to save his mother,and his father who will do anything to save him. It is rich in atmosphere and graphic descriptions that will make you fall into the book.
With a dying mother and a father fighting the Civil War, the young man must try everything to keep his family going,including a visit to his Shamen grandfather for help. That is the beginning of his horrific journey.
This is an intelligent,gory ,graphic read. Don't expect a happy ending.
Enjoyed and recommended.
"Devoured" has it all- cowboys,Indians,the dark old Norse gods,witches,cannibals,and more.
The story of a young man who will do anything to save his mother,and his father who will do anything to save him. It is rich in atmosphere and graphic descriptions that will make you fall into the book.
With a dying mother and a father fighting the Civil War, the young man must try everything to keep his family going,including a visit to his Shamen grandfather for help. That is the beginning of his horrific journey.
This is an intelligent,gory ,graphic read. Don't expect a happy ending.
Enjoyed and recommended.
September 14, 2015
The Devoured is a fun short novel combining the post Civil War West and The Elder Gods. The author has crafted a story with fascinating characters and perfect pace. There is plenty of action and psychological struggles. There are two independent narratives that merge together and effectively integrate Indian legends and the reality of racial prejudices during that time periods. The main characters are well built and a fully flawed. All of the dialogue rings true and the action is always believable. I had a great time reading this story and highly recommend it.
June 27, 2015
Absolutely loved this book!!! Usually not the kind of book I would read but it grabbed me from the first page!!
June 16, 2019
This book is amazing and intriguingly unique at the same time, which is a difficult feat to pull off. Lawson manages to blend the intrigue of an old Western while mixing in the old gods as well as throwing in a good measure of Native American lore as well, cleverly linking them together.
Following an old soldier after the Civil war as he searches for the evil entity that has killed his wife and taken his son from him; however his good intentions prove that old adage to be too true. That the road to hell is paved with good intentions, this book follows this old soldier and a young boy he saved along the way as he tries to save his son while traveling that path.
Following an old soldier after the Civil war as he searches for the evil entity that has killed his wife and taken his son from him; however his good intentions prove that old adage to be too true. That the road to hell is paved with good intentions, this book follows this old soldier and a young boy he saved along the way as he tries to save his son while traveling that path.
October 29, 2019
Here's my dilemma. I read another one of Mr. Lawson's other works recently and really liked it. This one I knew by reading the description was going to be too "fantasy" for me. Then I was given the opportunity to get a review audiobook from the author. I can't pass up a good freebie, so I jumped on it.
Since I already admitted being a hater of all things fantasy, this was way better than I expected. Fast moving and entertaining and narrated very well. I liked it. I look forward to more of this authors work for sure. He hasn't changed my mind about fantasy reads...but he makes a good case for me to stop disregarding them entirely...maybe...
Since I already admitted being a hater of all things fantasy, this was way better than I expected. Fast moving and entertaining and narrated very well. I liked it. I look forward to more of this authors work for sure. He hasn't changed my mind about fantasy reads...but he makes a good case for me to stop disregarding them entirely...maybe...
February 13, 2018
Desperately on the trail of his missing son, an old Confederate solider will stop at nothing to reunite the remnants of his family, even if he has to slay every trace of Utgard filth along the way. Finding unexpected companionship in a young orphan, the gunslinger closes in on the god responsible - Thurs, he who hails beyond the stars.
(WARNING: This review contains spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Curtis M. Lawson for giving me the opportunity.
If I wasn't so pessimistic about book to movie adaptations, I'd say this would make a brilliant film - in fact, I imagined it as such; Lawson's stunning use of words did wonders to create vivid imagery inside my head. I found myself thoroughly impressed by the intelligent, highly attractive prose, and by how each scene seamlessly came together to tell an exciting yet ultimately tragic tale. Despite being a short novel of less than two hundred pages, it expressed itself with a lot more substance than other full-length books I've read. A part of me wishes it was longer, but I realise it may have lessened the overall impact.
The character of the "old man" was probably the pinnacle; he was so utterly badass, and believe me when I say I don't use that term lightly. Smart, skilled, and completely unapologetic about his paternal devotion - he's someone I won't forget anytime soon. I'm not saying he was a perfect man, far from it, but he owned every scene he was in. He was the sort of being that would draw an entire room to his entrance, and not just because of his (suspiciously) large size. Emmett, however, whilst starting out with good intentions, truly lost his way as he succumbed to the unsavoury power of Utgard. I could relate with him in a way, in that I'm well aware of the pain of watching a parent slowly fade away. Nothing compares to that feeling of hopelessness, and if given the same opportunity, I'd have likely welcomed the same solution.
Moving on from that painfully honest bit of information.
As with all books I read, I tend to look deeper into things; for meaning in aspects that are probably meaningless. Both Emmett and his father shared a particular trait of being tall, bulky and at times, questionably strong. The fact that Utgard's a stronghold of giants, I was left contemplating a connection. Could it be, that the old man's ancestry is intermingled with otherworldly blood? If anything, at least, I can have my theories, incorrect and insignificant as they may be!
I can't say the Old Western theme has ever appealed to me, but I now feel inclined to seek out similar tales. Of course, few, if any, are going to have such a factual and accurate setting seeped in unforgiving folklore. The historic element of the American Civil War worked wonderfully with the touch of Norse and Native American mythology, and I was impressed with the knowledge poured into it. Either Lawson did his homework, or he simply knows his stuff. I also loved the brutality of the surrounding world- cannibals and witches, oh my! Seriously, sometimes witchcraft should be punishing, rather than glamorous.
In conclusion: The unnamed hero has been one of the coolest characters I've ever had the pleasure to read about. Whilst including both history and the supernatural, Lawson makes a short novel seem like an epic best-seller.
Notable Scene:
"Thought - critical, logical thought - that's what separates a man from an animal. That's what keeps us progressing further and further. That ability to think our way around any and every problem is why the Devourers fear us."
"And what about memory?" Hank asked.
"Memory is what keeps us strong in the toughest times, and it's what prevents us from becoming monsters when our hands are forced to kill. It's the memories of love and happiness that let us come home from the dark places where the world sometimes takes us. It's memory that lets a man find the strength to fight the gods themselves for what's right."
© Red Lace 2018
Wordpress ~ Booklikes ~ Twitter
(WARNING: This review contains spoilers.)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Curtis M. Lawson for giving me the opportunity.
If I wasn't so pessimistic about book to movie adaptations, I'd say this would make a brilliant film - in fact, I imagined it as such; Lawson's stunning use of words did wonders to create vivid imagery inside my head. I found myself thoroughly impressed by the intelligent, highly attractive prose, and by how each scene seamlessly came together to tell an exciting yet ultimately tragic tale. Despite being a short novel of less than two hundred pages, it expressed itself with a lot more substance than other full-length books I've read. A part of me wishes it was longer, but I realise it may have lessened the overall impact.
The character of the "old man" was probably the pinnacle; he was so utterly badass, and believe me when I say I don't use that term lightly. Smart, skilled, and completely unapologetic about his paternal devotion - he's someone I won't forget anytime soon. I'm not saying he was a perfect man, far from it, but he owned every scene he was in. He was the sort of being that would draw an entire room to his entrance, and not just because of his (suspiciously) large size. Emmett, however, whilst starting out with good intentions, truly lost his way as he succumbed to the unsavoury power of Utgard. I could relate with him in a way, in that I'm well aware of the pain of watching a parent slowly fade away. Nothing compares to that feeling of hopelessness, and if given the same opportunity, I'd have likely welcomed the same solution.
Moving on from that painfully honest bit of information.
As with all books I read, I tend to look deeper into things; for meaning in aspects that are probably meaningless. Both Emmett and his father shared a particular trait of being tall, bulky and at times, questionably strong. The fact that Utgard's a stronghold of giants, I was left contemplating a connection. Could it be, that the old man's ancestry is intermingled with otherworldly blood? If anything, at least, I can have my theories, incorrect and insignificant as they may be!
I can't say the Old Western theme has ever appealed to me, but I now feel inclined to seek out similar tales. Of course, few, if any, are going to have such a factual and accurate setting seeped in unforgiving folklore. The historic element of the American Civil War worked wonderfully with the touch of Norse and Native American mythology, and I was impressed with the knowledge poured into it. Either Lawson did his homework, or he simply knows his stuff. I also loved the brutality of the surrounding world- cannibals and witches, oh my! Seriously, sometimes witchcraft should be punishing, rather than glamorous.
In conclusion: The unnamed hero has been one of the coolest characters I've ever had the pleasure to read about. Whilst including both history and the supernatural, Lawson makes a short novel seem like an epic best-seller.
Notable Scene:
"Thought - critical, logical thought - that's what separates a man from an animal. That's what keeps us progressing further and further. That ability to think our way around any and every problem is why the Devourers fear us."
"And what about memory?" Hank asked.
"Memory is what keeps us strong in the toughest times, and it's what prevents us from becoming monsters when our hands are forced to kill. It's the memories of love and happiness that let us come home from the dark places where the world sometimes takes us. It's memory that lets a man find the strength to fight the gods themselves for what's right."
© Red Lace 2018
Wordpress ~ Booklikes ~ Twitter
June 25, 2018
I kindly received a copy of the audiobook from the author with the option to leave a review. So here goes:
Alright, check this out for a hook - an ex-Confederate soldier rescues an African-American kid from a hillbilly cannibal while endeavouring to rescue his half-native American son from the gods of Utgard. Yes, that Utgard. Good start?
Call this historical fantasy. It's nicely rooted in what we generally consider the Old West, but spans most of the fledgling USA. The plot revolves around the father and son, with them alternating chapters for the most part. The father (the Old Man) is likable enough, an interesting character who could have been a dull stereotype, but you root for him throughout as he fights all manner of witches and ghouls as he searches for his son.
The son, Emmett, is the sympathetic one. Told in a time lapse, Emmett is left with his mother when his father joins the Civil War. The mother falls ill, and Emmett takes it upon himself to save her. However, at just 16 and treated with disdain almost everywhere he goes due to his heritage, Emmett is left with some bad choices, which set the whole story on it's downward spiral.
Extremely well written and narrated, the story oozes darkness from start to end, and is likely not to everyone's taste. However, if you like your fantasy dark and gritty, I would suggest you check this one out.
Alright, check this out for a hook - an ex-Confederate soldier rescues an African-American kid from a hillbilly cannibal while endeavouring to rescue his half-native American son from the gods of Utgard. Yes, that Utgard. Good start?
Call this historical fantasy. It's nicely rooted in what we generally consider the Old West, but spans most of the fledgling USA. The plot revolves around the father and son, with them alternating chapters for the most part. The father (the Old Man) is likable enough, an interesting character who could have been a dull stereotype, but you root for him throughout as he fights all manner of witches and ghouls as he searches for his son.
The son, Emmett, is the sympathetic one. Told in a time lapse, Emmett is left with his mother when his father joins the Civil War. The mother falls ill, and Emmett takes it upon himself to save her. However, at just 16 and treated with disdain almost everywhere he goes due to his heritage, Emmett is left with some bad choices, which set the whole story on it's downward spiral.
Extremely well written and narrated, the story oozes darkness from start to end, and is likely not to everyone's taste. However, if you like your fantasy dark and gritty, I would suggest you check this one out.
Read
June 27, 2015So, I'm not rating this because my husband wrote it and I'm completely biased. I mean, obviously I think it's brilliant, and everyone should go buy multiple copies so that he can quit his day job. Anyway... It should be out super soon, and if you're into cosmic horror, please do check it out!
It's out now!
It's out now!
October 27, 2017
A dark satisfying journey
Wow! This book tells two stories that come together in the end. I can't tell if this fantasy, horror, weird fiction, grim dark, cosmic fiction, or alternative history. To me it is a mashup of all and more. I highly recommend this book!
Wow! This book tells two stories that come together in the end. I can't tell if this fantasy, horror, weird fiction, grim dark, cosmic fiction, or alternative history. To me it is a mashup of all and more. I highly recommend this book!
March 12, 2017
Dark old west horror!
Across the west, an old giant of a man chases an evil older than imagining. An evil that has taken his son and destroyed his family. An evil that is spreading, and destroying everything it gets its hands on.can he stop the evil of a god? Well, if he had his way, he will! From the dusty streets of California, through Indian reservations and across the new railroad lines, the old man will stop at nothing to get his son back, be it witches, cannibals or just people who fear him. Nothing. An excellent mix of western and horror, with engaging, mysterious characters and an engaging tempo set. A must read for horror fans!
Across the west, an old giant of a man chases an evil older than imagining. An evil that has taken his son and destroyed his family. An evil that is spreading, and destroying everything it gets its hands on.can he stop the evil of a god? Well, if he had his way, he will! From the dusty streets of California, through Indian reservations and across the new railroad lines, the old man will stop at nothing to get his son back, be it witches, cannibals or just people who fear him. Nothing. An excellent mix of western and horror, with engaging, mysterious characters and an engaging tempo set. A must read for horror fans!
November 2, 2017
I have always been fascinated by ancient mythologies, so this book definitely caught my interest. It takes place during what seems to be the end of the civil war. Emmett and his Native American mother were left at home while his father, a white man, was off fighting in the war. Emmett was 16 and his mother became deathly ill. Medicines and doctors couldn't heal her so Emmett decides to connect with his mother's father who is a shaman. Unfortunately, his grandfather is also dying and is not in his right mind. He offers Emmett a way to save his mother by contacting an ancient spirit. This is where the Native and Norse mythology comes into the story with ancient Gods, witches, giants, and other beings. Overall, it was a great story with a great narration. Jason Sprenger has the perfect voice for this story.
October 9, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It has a really good story and is well developed
I got this ARC in exchange for an honest review
I got this ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 9, 2018
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
This book blew my mind when I listened to it last month. The dark imagery Curtis M. Lawson puts forward in this book and the perilous journey of the characters had me spellbound from the get go. It has a little bit of everything - little wild west, Norse and Native American myth, old gods, witches, cannibals and what not. And they are not just thrown in there for the sake of. All of them play a vital role in the progress of the story and are really done very well. It's gritty, it's dark and it keeps you hooked.
The central characters are done very well. I rooted throughout for the father and Emmett. Their strength and resolve against all odds is inspirational.
What I disliked about the book -
I didn't mind, but if you don't like strong language and dark imagery, you should probably skip this book.
Narration -
Narration by Jason Sprenger was excellent. Every character is brought to life. Every scene is made vivid. I felt like I was in the middle of all the action.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
This book blew my mind when I listened to it last month. The dark imagery Curtis M. Lawson puts forward in this book and the perilous journey of the characters had me spellbound from the get go. It has a little bit of everything - little wild west, Norse and Native American myth, old gods, witches, cannibals and what not. And they are not just thrown in there for the sake of. All of them play a vital role in the progress of the story and are really done very well. It's gritty, it's dark and it keeps you hooked.
The central characters are done very well. I rooted throughout for the father and Emmett. Their strength and resolve against all odds is inspirational.
What I disliked about the book -
I didn't mind, but if you don't like strong language and dark imagery, you should probably skip this book.
Narration -
Narration by Jason Sprenger was excellent. Every character is brought to life. Every scene is made vivid. I felt like I was in the middle of all the action.
April 16, 2016
I received a copy for free off the author for an honest review. So here it is: The Devoured follows protagonist Emmet on a journey to find the key to curing his ailing mother as his father in turn is on a journey of his own to find his son. Themes include; The Civil War, Norse Mythology and otherworldly mysticism/shamanism. I found this to be very well written with good use of description that literally paints a perfect picture (albeit sometimes an ominous one) in my mind, something similar to reading a Tim Curran book. In all, I powered through this and really enjoyed it! My only complaint would be that the ending felt a bit rushed and I would've enjoyed it more if the 'face-off' at the end was expanded on a bit more (without trying to give too much a way). I'd recommend this to fans of horror and/or westerns though. Well done Mr Lawson! 4 stars!!
July 7, 2015
This book was excellent. The author utilized well written imagery and intersections of religion to tell a story about a family. Like the saying "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" one family member makes a bad decision to save someone important, setting off a cascade of events. I enjoyed how the author utilized the setting of the Old West to coincide with Elder Gods. It was fabulous and well worth the read.
February 11, 2016
Before I start my review, I would like to mention that I received this book for free as part of the Goodreads giveaways program.
Man, I loved this book. Short, fun, and entertaining. Good writing. Strong characters. And overall, just FUN!
Strongly recommended.
Man, I loved this book. Short, fun, and entertaining. Good writing. Strong characters. And overall, just FUN!
Strongly recommended.
March 5, 2016
FTC Disclosure: I received this book free from Goodreads hoping I would review it.
January 12, 2020
Fantastically dark all around...
The Devoured by Curtis M. Lawson and narrated by Jason Sprenger is a unique dark fantasy that kept my interest and left me wanting more. I highly recommend if dark fantasy is your thing.
What’s it about? The summary tells it well and if that peaks your interest, you should def be listening. Emmett’s mother is sick and he searches for a cure which leads him to his shaman grandfather in the Paiute tribe. Emmett’s world changes forever after this meeting. Meanwhile the old man (Emmett’s father) is searching for his son to rescue him from the Gods of Utgard. The old man gets a tag along named Hank. You get trolls, magic, witches, the undead, cannibals, and other creatures. The story alternates between Emmett and his father (the old man) and occasionally Hank. The story flowed nicely and the narration is smooth.
The narrator, Jason Sprenger, was a perfect fit for this book. He brought a real feel to the Old West world. Voice is smooth and easy-to-listen to.
Overall I highly recommend for dark fantasy aficionados. I’d love to see this turned into a movie (provided it’s done right).
“Across the tracks from where they stood the church’s giant wooden cross loomed like a symbol of Roman terror, rather than an icon of human hope.”
“Naked, hurt, and dehydrated, he reached up above the door and grabbed the effigy of Christ off the wall. He looked at it with anger, wondering how many other myths and ideologies the Devourers hid behind. Then, almost as an afterthought, he tossed the crucifix into the fire, letting the idol burn along with its servant.”
“Hank let another slug fly, and spilled the blood of a third witch, like a splash of whiskey for a dead friend.”
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: This is a dark fantasy, it’s not sunshine and rainbows or puppies and kittens. Some of the elements are: sex (not long or in much detail), death, weapons (guns, knives). Language used: r**skin x3, savage x1, f x4, s x17, n x3.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
The Devoured by Curtis M. Lawson and narrated by Jason Sprenger is a unique dark fantasy that kept my interest and left me wanting more. I highly recommend if dark fantasy is your thing.
What’s it about? The summary tells it well and if that peaks your interest, you should def be listening. Emmett’s mother is sick and he searches for a cure which leads him to his shaman grandfather in the Paiute tribe. Emmett’s world changes forever after this meeting. Meanwhile the old man (Emmett’s father) is searching for his son to rescue him from the Gods of Utgard. The old man gets a tag along named Hank. You get trolls, magic, witches, the undead, cannibals, and other creatures. The story alternates between Emmett and his father (the old man) and occasionally Hank. The story flowed nicely and the narration is smooth.
The narrator, Jason Sprenger, was a perfect fit for this book. He brought a real feel to the Old West world. Voice is smooth and easy-to-listen to.
Overall I highly recommend for dark fantasy aficionados. I’d love to see this turned into a movie (provided it’s done right).
“Across the tracks from where they stood the church’s giant wooden cross loomed like a symbol of Roman terror, rather than an icon of human hope.”
“Naked, hurt, and dehydrated, he reached up above the door and grabbed the effigy of Christ off the wall. He looked at it with anger, wondering how many other myths and ideologies the Devourers hid behind. Then, almost as an afterthought, he tossed the crucifix into the fire, letting the idol burn along with its servant.”
“Hank let another slug fly, and spilled the blood of a third witch, like a splash of whiskey for a dead friend.”
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: This is a dark fantasy, it’s not sunshine and rainbows or puppies and kittens. Some of the elements are: sex (not long or in much detail), death, weapons (guns, knives). Language used: r**skin x3, savage x1, f x4, s x17, n x3.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
September 11, 2022
Great Story and very Unique
The old man is hunting the god that stole his son. He's been hunting him awhile now killing it's servants after gleaning the newest information from their dying lips. The old man has seen a lot of bloodshed and has caused even more with only one goal in sight: To save his boy and kill a god named Thurs. But how does one kill a god and in what condition will he find his son in?
I enjoyed this story tremendously. I think I found a new horror genre that I absolutely enjoy and that's Gnostic Horror.
It's good stuff!!
The old man is hunting the god that stole his son. He's been hunting him awhile now killing it's servants after gleaning the newest information from their dying lips. The old man has seen a lot of bloodshed and has caused even more with only one goal in sight: To save his boy and kill a god named Thurs. But how does one kill a god and in what condition will he find his son in?
I enjoyed this story tremendously. I think I found a new horror genre that I absolutely enjoy and that's Gnostic Horror.
It's good stuff!!
February 11, 2020
I went back and forth with this one. I enjoyed it, but it still took a while for me to get into it. It wasn't that it was poorly written or anything, it was that there was so much going on that details got lost in there for me. I really liked the ending. I think it was perfect for the book. I also really enjoyed that nobody was left untouched in this story. It was messy and dirty and dark. The writing was well done and the narration was really good.
January 18, 2021
My mother inadvertently got me into horror by telling me NOT to read it. So, of course I did. But she was also a fan of Louis L’Amour westerns. So I am of course a fan of weird or horror westerns. Curtis M. Lawson has written a hell of a horror western. A tale of vows, arcane knowledge, sacrifice and love.
A son wants to save his dying mother, so he crosses his heritage and seeks knowledge of his Shaman grandfather. He is sent on a journey to find knowledge to save her. He inadvertently sets in motion a series of events that seal his doom and perhaps the fate of the world.
An old man searches for the demon who has stolen his son. Along the way, the old man fights several witches, including a cannibalistic hillbilly, saving a young black child along the way.
It is a fast moving tale, well worth your time to check out. I listened to the audiobook version of this and the narrator was spot on!
A son wants to save his dying mother, so he crosses his heritage and seeks knowledge of his Shaman grandfather. He is sent on a journey to find knowledge to save her. He inadvertently sets in motion a series of events that seal his doom and perhaps the fate of the world.
An old man searches for the demon who has stolen his son. Along the way, the old man fights several witches, including a cannibalistic hillbilly, saving a young black child along the way.
It is a fast moving tale, well worth your time to check out. I listened to the audiobook version of this and the narrator was spot on!
February 6, 2017
6 stars please. I've been surviving on kindle samples recently, not quite finding the thing that would sate my evenings reading hunger ...then I stumbled across The Devoured,pure luck. Its cover did the job catching my eyes (yes, covers matter), the few reviews it had sounded genuine, the sample was a very good starter, and then the main course a delectable meal of actions and very interesting characterizations, for dessert?...no spoiler here. I don't usually write reviews,but Curtis, if you read this, THANK YOU!! 167 pages are more than sufficient when each word and sentence have been worked hard and shaped the way they are in The Devoured. So don't be put off by the length, because it reads like a graphic novel illustrated by the finest words; well worth the price and our time.
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October 26, 2017Have to put this aside for the moment, I'm just not feeling it. I'll try again in a few days and see.
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