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The Devil's Gorge
Sam, a University of Toronto History student, receives a letter informing him that he has inherited some property in Bulgaria, the country of his parents. Somewhat reluctantly, he decides to go there accompanied by his best friend Ben, a charming young man with a flair for languages and adventure. In the country of his parents Sam comes face to face with a different reality which gives rise to a series of uncanny dreams and questions about his own identity. The short, pleasant trip the two friends were envisaging turns into a whirlwind of encounters which take them to the site of one the most sacred Thracian cities and throw them in the pursuit of a relic of world-changing importance and into the arms of the beautiful and mysterious Ana.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2014
43 people are currently reading
1048 people want to read
About the author
Dora Ilieva
7 books164 followersI am a Bulgarian-Canadian author. My first novel is "The Devil's Gorge" - a tale of mystery, love and betrayal. I grew up in Sofia, Bulgaria and moved to Canada with my family when I was twenty-eight. Reading is what I love best. I often read several books at a time. My time is split between reading, writing, family and work. Travelling, watching crime shows and observing people are also things that I like. My second book, the short story collection "Faces", deals with the all too human problems city dwellers encounter on a daily basis. In August, 2016, I published my third book "The Master" which takes the reader on a roller-coaster journey in search of an artefact that could change the fate of the world.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 23, 2018
First I need to beg the forgiveness of Ms. Dora Ilieva for how long it's taken me to finally read and write a review. She generously sent a copy quite awhile ago, and I must admit, I began and started this several times. However, this is quite an interesting tale that captures the flavors of the Bulgarian culture. It is also a mystery/thriller, that has many interesting twists and curves. This is comprised of politics, intrique, unusual characterizations, and gripping events. My family comes from Eastern Europe, and I am always drawn to anything beyond the scope of North America. The book contains archaeological facts, Bulgarian fare and language and cultural ideologies. Every now and again, there are moments of disquietude in this book and moments of slag, it definitely and most assuredly picks up in the end with break neck speed and sheer adventure. I strongly recommend this read.
I give this a 4.25 out of 5.
I give this a 4.25 out of 5.
October 31, 2015
What a great book! It started out a little slow, but once I got into it, I couldn't put it down because I couldn't wait to find out what would happen to the characters. The story centers around Sam, who had Bulgarian parents who immigrated to Canada, and his old-world grandmother named him as her heir. He flew to Bulgaria with his friend Ben for an interesting trip into the past and his heritage. Sam's parents insists that he look up some relatives once he arrives, and after meeting them, he gets swept up into an archaeological mystery that could have global effects. The archaeological dig is at an ancient Thracian site, and Sam's relative, an archaeological professor, thinks he has made a historic discovery. Sam and Ben end up going with Sam's cousin Kossara to a village in the Rhodopes mountains, where one event leads to another, and they realize the danger that they are all in because they have knowledge that Big Brother wants to keep quiet. It becomes a race against time (and Big Brother) to find a powerful artifact that could have far-reaching implications if found. There were a few punctuation errors that distracted me from time to time, but overall, I really enjoyed the book, and I recommend it. It's a great thriller with ties to ancient history. The ending took me by surprise and left me wanting more...hopefully the author will write more adventures for Sam, Ben, and Kossara. If there would be a sequel, I would definitely read it.
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book from Goodreads First Reads.
July 26, 2016
The Devil’s Gorge is a well-written mixture of adventure, romance and suspense. Sam Angelov, a history student, born in Canada to Bulgarian parents goes for the first time to the country where his parents come from. His Canadian friend Ben accompanies him. Once there he meets his relatives, discovers the country’s history and its natural beauty but also gets involved in an archaeological mystery than puts him and his friend in danger. At first, the story develops slowly but its pace picks up later on. The author weaves a lot of historic information about the Thracian civilization and about life in the modern Bulgaria into the story. I must admit that at times it distracted me from the plot. But the writing is engaging and easy to follow what makes the novel an interesting read, especially for those readers who want to learn about other countries and cultures while enjoying an entertaining and easy to digest read.
August 12, 2023
Read Around the World: Bulgaria
The ONLY reason I finished this was because I wanted to scratch Bulgaria off the RAtW list. There were so many points during this tepid read that I wanted to quit, but because it was an easy [and eye rolling] read, I just kept on. The end made me regret it, but at least it is done and I can move on. The author just tried to combine way to many elements in this book and then never really tied all the pieces together and when you get to the end, you feel like you have missed something and are left feeling very disappointed and fooled. I won't be reading the rest of these [thankfully]. Whew!
The ONLY reason I finished this was because I wanted to scratch Bulgaria off the RAtW list. There were so many points during this tepid read that I wanted to quit, but because it was an easy [and eye rolling] read, I just kept on. The end made me regret it, but at least it is done and I can move on. The author just tried to combine way to many elements in this book and then never really tied all the pieces together and when you get to the end, you feel like you have missed something and are left feeling very disappointed and fooled. I won't be reading the rest of these [thankfully]. Whew!
July 6, 2018
There is a who-done-it type mystery throughout as everyone is trying to figure out the secrets held at the ancient dig. Coupled with political resistance, the story reminds me of two Canadian young men who are unknowingly launched on an Indiana Jones type adventure. Within the Bulgarian country, we become familiar with their current culture, recent past communism rule and their ancient origins. The characters are believable and the book is well written. Very different read that weaves archaeology, Thracian civilization history, a little paranormal and light romance together into an intriguing blend of a story. The vivid descriptions of life in Bulgaria were quite interesting as well. There is a lot of dialogue and the author is very adept in this area, as well as others.
April 27, 2019
This was a disappointment from start to finish. The writing itself is mediocre. The characterization and attempts at magic realism are fragmented and unbelievable in more than one instance.
The book begins with a good premise that I wish was executed better. I enjoy good historical fiction and appreciate the knowledge that I gain from it. However, in this case there is too much overt “teaching” about language, mythology, and Bulgarian history going on in the dialogue and storyline. The author doesn’t seem to know how to blend her research with the story she wants to write.
One of the characters says that the events going on around her are “like a thriller and not necessarily a very good one.” Sadly, I concur.
The book begins with a good premise that I wish was executed better. I enjoy good historical fiction and appreciate the knowledge that I gain from it. However, in this case there is too much overt “teaching” about language, mythology, and Bulgarian history going on in the dialogue and storyline. The author doesn’t seem to know how to blend her research with the story she wants to write.
One of the characters says that the events going on around her are “like a thriller and not necessarily a very good one.” Sadly, I concur.
October 28, 2017
Solid mystery set in Bulgaria. This is a great introduction to the series and main characters. The background detail provided in this first book made me appreciate the second even more. I really enjoyed this story and mystery, as well as the descriptions of Bulgaria.
I would recommend the first two books in this series to young adult and adult mystery fans. I'm also looking forward to reading the recently released third book, White Clay!
I would recommend the first two books in this series to young adult and adult mystery fans. I'm also looking forward to reading the recently released third book, White Clay!
March 15, 2018
This is the first in a series. I really enjoyed the story, which is set in Bulgaria, a country I knew little about. It was very interesting reading more about Bulgaria's past, both distant and not so distant. The Thracian history was fascinating, as well as learning more about Orpheus and his significance in Thracian culture. The mystery was well set up—I liked how the pace was on the slower side, with sufficient time to read about all the above. The ending felt a little rushed to me, maybe because of that. I look forward to reading The Master, book 2!
August 30, 2016
The author of the book, Devil's Gorge, intertwines historical and cultural facts with her characters' encounters to find Orpheus' magical lyre. For any reader interested in learning about other cultures and at the same time meeting people who are involved in an exciting adventure, then this novel is for you. The story becomes very exciting, especially when people are murdered. There is also romance. Dora Ilieva's writing skills are excellent.
The novel moves along very well, never leaving the reader with a dull moment.
I highly recommend.
The novel moves along very well, never leaving the reader with a dull moment.
I highly recommend.
May 21, 2016
I got this book through a giveaway I entered. What a fantastic read!! I love the history, suspense and drama in this story. I could not put it down. Wish there was a second book cause I wasn't ready to part with the characters.
April 23, 2017
The Devil’s Gorge, by Dora Ilieva, is a well-crafted, thoroughly enjoyable tale. Two friends from Toronto head to Bulgaria in order to settle an estate and do some sightseeing. But they soon become enmeshed in a complicated family story that involves archaeology, linguistics, Thracian history, the role of Russia and the KGB during Communist rule, personal rivalry, and – at the bottom of it all - the legend of Orpheus, his trip to the Underworld, and his powerful lyre.
The book is part mystery, part archaeology, part Bulgarian culture, and part personal drama. The descriptions of food, music, and dance, especially the fire-walker dance, really add to the sense of place.
As the mystery unfolds, almost every character comes under some kind of suspicion, and the ending involves more than one twist.
Highly recommended.
The book is part mystery, part archaeology, part Bulgarian culture, and part personal drama. The descriptions of food, music, and dance, especially the fire-walker dance, really add to the sense of place.
As the mystery unfolds, almost every character comes under some kind of suspicion, and the ending involves more than one twist.
Highly recommended.
January 16, 2018
An excellent adventure in of all places, Bulgaria, not the usual locale for a mystery. Two Canadian students travel to Sofia to collect an inheritance when the find themselves in an archaeological search for the tomb of Orpheus and his lyre. Along with the professor leading the Thracian expedition and his daughter, they embark on a dangerous journey.
March 24, 2019
Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.
January 7, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
This book was very very slow and the story hadn't really progressed much even after a hundred pages but the rest of the story easily made up for that. It was so well researched and was really interesting and fun even though I didn't know the first thing about the Thracian civilization and Bulgaria. The second half of the book had a great pace and was full of suspense. It ends with a cliffhanger and you don't really know what happens to the 'thing' Sam ( the protagonist )and his friends find. But an issue I had with this book is that Sam really had no personality. Sure he played quite a big role in the story but his character was pretty bland.
This book was very very slow and the story hadn't really progressed much even after a hundred pages but the rest of the story easily made up for that. It was so well researched and was really interesting and fun even though I didn't know the first thing about the Thracian civilization and Bulgaria. The second half of the book had a great pace and was full of suspense. It ends with a cliffhanger and you don't really know what happens to the 'thing' Sam ( the protagonist )and his friends find. But an issue I had with this book is that Sam really had no personality. Sure he played quite a big role in the story but his character was pretty bland.
February 13, 2019
Mythology
Very great book especially if you like mythology and story of Ophesous and magical lure and traveling to underworld in his search for lost love Well written by author
Very great book especially if you like mythology and story of Ophesous and magical lure and traveling to underworld in his search for lost love Well written by author
July 17, 2016
A solid romantic thriller. The romance is quite tame and the thrills rather paced. It works as an interesting travelog of both modern Bulgaria and Ancient Thrace. It has enough twists and turns to keep you interested and a nicely developed set of characters.
August 11, 2015
The well designed plot full of suspense,the in depth knowledge of historical customs and traditions and the powerful,breathtaking imagery make this book an irresistible read from beginning to end.
August 12, 2015
Very interesting and captivating read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
March 21, 2017
The premise, a much more realistic story in the Indiana Jones archaeological genre but without the Hollywood flavour and without the stunts, is certainly intriguing. It takes place in Bulgaria, a place so far off the usual exotic or highly coveted locations around the globe (i.e. Paris, Los Angeles, Egypt, Mumbai, and so on).
This story has a lot of educational information regarding Bulgarian language, culture, food, and geography. I really enjoyed learning about a country I hear so little about through the usual literature and film.
The book's style strikes me as a little odd sometimes. For example, we are told that the professor is an abrasive character, and the main character, Sam, often composes thoughts that are disdainful of the professor. However, the professor's actions and dialogue don't lend evidence to those conclusions.
Another oddity was that sometimes the characters appeared to be talking in circles. They'd discuss something important, and then in a later chapter, they'd discuss the topic over again but without the acknowledgment that they'd already discussed it before. Sometimes the book was repetitive, in that the characters seemed to be doing things over and over again.
In the book, an aunt of a main character utters a prophecy of just four words in an ancient language. The aunt is a family member, and is in town where all the characters are, yet she conveniently makes herself unavailable so she would not have to explain her strange prophecy. That is one example of some strange behaviours throughout the book that only stand out when read cumulatively, or when the reader stops and thinks.
The last ten chapters gallop off at a thrilling pace after a slow build-up throughout most of the book. The excitement picks up after something terrible happens to the professor. It was a bit startling though, to have a new major character with vitally important knowledge of the treasure very near the end of the book. I'm not sure if this makes the book more exciting with a twist, or if this character could have been introduced earlier. The last ten chapters have a very different feel from the first forty chapters, as if a different author wrote them.
I felt it was never really clearly explained what the bad guys were after. I understand the near-mythical reverence for the "Holy Grail" item sought in this book, but as the characters point out many times, the former spy network in Bulgaria institutionally had been defunct for decades by the time this story takes place, and I wasn't sure what really replaced it. It might be easier to frame as a band of greedy tycoons or rival archaeologists but acting on their own and just keep the former spy network as the rationale for the past, i.e. why the Holy Grail artefact was moved around decades ago. I didn't also understand all the details of the hows and the whys of the relocations of the Holy Grail artefact as there were so many explanations offered, I lost track.
All in all, this book certainly is different and offers an enticing glimpse into Bulgarian history and culture.
This story has a lot of educational information regarding Bulgarian language, culture, food, and geography. I really enjoyed learning about a country I hear so little about through the usual literature and film.
The book's style strikes me as a little odd sometimes. For example, we are told that the professor is an abrasive character, and the main character, Sam, often composes thoughts that are disdainful of the professor. However, the professor's actions and dialogue don't lend evidence to those conclusions.
Another oddity was that sometimes the characters appeared to be talking in circles. They'd discuss something important, and then in a later chapter, they'd discuss the topic over again but without the acknowledgment that they'd already discussed it before. Sometimes the book was repetitive, in that the characters seemed to be doing things over and over again.
In the book, an aunt of a main character utters a prophecy of just four words in an ancient language. The aunt is a family member, and is in town where all the characters are, yet she conveniently makes herself unavailable so she would not have to explain her strange prophecy. That is one example of some strange behaviours throughout the book that only stand out when read cumulatively, or when the reader stops and thinks.
The last ten chapters gallop off at a thrilling pace after a slow build-up throughout most of the book. The excitement picks up after something terrible happens to the professor. It was a bit startling though, to have a new major character with vitally important knowledge of the treasure very near the end of the book. I'm not sure if this makes the book more exciting with a twist, or if this character could have been introduced earlier. The last ten chapters have a very different feel from the first forty chapters, as if a different author wrote them.
I felt it was never really clearly explained what the bad guys were after. I understand the near-mythical reverence for the "Holy Grail" item sought in this book, but as the characters point out many times, the former spy network in Bulgaria institutionally had been defunct for decades by the time this story takes place, and I wasn't sure what really replaced it. It might be easier to frame as a band of greedy tycoons or rival archaeologists but acting on their own and just keep the former spy network as the rationale for the past, i.e. why the Holy Grail artefact was moved around decades ago. I didn't also understand all the details of the hows and the whys of the relocations of the Holy Grail artefact as there were so many explanations offered, I lost track.
All in all, this book certainly is different and offers an enticing glimpse into Bulgarian history and culture.
May 5, 2024
Sam Angelov, a University of Toronto student, receives notification that he has inherited an apartment in Bulgaria from his grandmother. Accompanied by his friend, Ben, Sam flies to Sofia to meet with a local lawyer. While the inheritance paperwork is being processed, Sam sets out to meet a distant cousin, Kossara, and her father Kiril, a well-known history professor.
Sam and Ben travel with Kossara to the Thracian city of Perperikon in the Rhodope Mountains, where Kiril and a group of archaeologists are working at a dig. Perperikon sits high on a rocky hill and its history revolves around a temple of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and fertility; and Orpheus, the legendary musician and poet. Kiril is convinced that two invaluable treasures from the ancient world are buried somewhere on the site.
The Devil’s Gorge by Dora Ilieva (2014) is an engaging archaeological thriller set in one of the most beautiful regions of Bulgaria. The settings described in the book are real, and as colorful and fascinating as described. The Nestinarstvo fire dancing tradition is still practiced in rural areas of Bulgaria.
The Devil’s Gorge of the title refers to the stunning Devil’s Throat Cave, through which Orpheus is said to have descended into the subterranean kingdom of Hades to seek his lost love Eurydice. The cave plays no significant role in this story, but perhaps Sam and Kossara will return to it in the novel’s sequel.
Sam and Ben travel with Kossara to the Thracian city of Perperikon in the Rhodope Mountains, where Kiril and a group of archaeologists are working at a dig. Perperikon sits high on a rocky hill and its history revolves around a temple of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and fertility; and Orpheus, the legendary musician and poet. Kiril is convinced that two invaluable treasures from the ancient world are buried somewhere on the site.
The Devil’s Gorge by Dora Ilieva (2014) is an engaging archaeological thriller set in one of the most beautiful regions of Bulgaria. The settings described in the book are real, and as colorful and fascinating as described. The Nestinarstvo fire dancing tradition is still practiced in rural areas of Bulgaria.
The Devil’s Gorge of the title refers to the stunning Devil’s Throat Cave, through which Orpheus is said to have descended into the subterranean kingdom of Hades to seek his lost love Eurydice. The cave plays no significant role in this story, but perhaps Sam and Kossara will return to it in the novel’s sequel.
October 1, 2020
The Devil’s Gorge by Dora Ilieva was well written. The story is about a young man who inherits his grandmother’s home. He and his friend head to Bulgaria thinking this will be a simple quick trip. Little do they know they are in for an adventure.
It was a remarkable engrossing story that I enjoyed until the very end where I expected a little more. It seemed rather rushed. This was book provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion.
It was a remarkable engrossing story that I enjoyed until the very end where I expected a little more. It seemed rather rushed. This was book provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 1, 2019
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Having seen that this book is set in Bulgaria, and deals with archeology, I was looking forward to reading it. Both of those topics were covered well, with lots of interesting detail - unfortunately, the writing was poor, the characters were flat and one-dimensional, and the plot had way too many gaping holes. The ending is abrupt and doesn't tie in at all with the story so far, but I understand this is the first of a series - so I suppose that leaves the door open for picking the story back up.
Having seen that this book is set in Bulgaria, and deals with archeology, I was looking forward to reading it. Both of those topics were covered well, with lots of interesting detail - unfortunately, the writing was poor, the characters were flat and one-dimensional, and the plot had way too many gaping holes. The ending is abrupt and doesn't tie in at all with the story so far, but I understand this is the first of a series - so I suppose that leaves the door open for picking the story back up.
Want to read
September 14, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
January 31, 2022
Interesting tale about Thracian culture and archaeology. ILieva weaves a tight plot. I thought the ending of the book needed some work, it leaves the reader hanging. I wanted more.
April 7, 2019
A real Boy's Own adventure. Hunting for the Lyre of Orpheus in the mountains of Bulgaria, Sam and his friend Ben along with Sam's 3rd cousin and her father - who are archaeologists - they travel the country being chased, seduced - it all happens.
A good wheeze - not really my thing - one for the boys, I think.
A good wheeze - not really my thing - one for the boys, I think.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews