Descension

by Edmund Stone, Crystal Lake Publishing, Sinister Smile Press

Genres: Horror

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 18, 2026

Reviews

[Ben Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s so much tension in this book, as Edmund pits gang violence against supernatural danger, with a solid cast of characters caught in the middle. Reads well either as a standalone or an add-on to his Tent Revival series.

[Milt Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before "Tent Revival", there was... "Descension"! Who would have thought that Stone's Revival books had even another layer, that there were even more hidden depths and twists in the story? As a prequel, however, "Descension" is meant to be read as a standalone - and with the author's enhanced editions of the Tent Revival books forthcoming, it's the perfect jumping point to the far wider story of the small-town horror series.

"Descension" itself is quintessential small town horror as well, since it's the story before the story of Salt Flat, Kentucky, and the eldritch entity lurking in the town's mines. Although Stone takes his time setting up conflicts and characters, bringing in police corruption, family drama, corporate misuse of power, hillbilly drug peddlers, Mexican cartels and the Russian Mafia, it's only a matter of time till shit hits the fan and huge trouble ensues for everyone.

I consider "Descension" as Edmund Stone's best work (so far), and with good reason: the supernatural elements organically grow out of the plot, the characters are easy to relate to (with an emphasis on family and traditional values, though not lacking moral ambiguities), the villains feel palpably evil, and when a character is meant to be hated I did hate them - loathed 'em, to be honest! Plus there's a tongue-in-cheek epilogue for us Tent Revival horror fans!

So if you enjoy another wildly imaginative spin on familiar small town horror tropes, with tension, intense rivalries, and an explosive ending, this is the book for you! Recommended!

[Terry Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Descension by Edmund Stone takes place in the same universe as Tent Revival and the accompanying books. So, if you enjoyed those books,, you'll definitely enjoy this one. Though Rebecca makes no appearance here. Well, maybe not. One character may be her, may not. I guess we'll have to wait to figure that out, or maybe I just need to catch up with all the Tent Revival books! Edmund did a good job here. The book kept me intrigued and I kept reading, waiting for Junior and his family to get their due. YOU WILL HATE THAT GUY! It's funny because certain sides of his personality is seen all across my home town, like him having to rev his engine so all eyes are in him. People like that crack me up every time. Anyway, Descension is a story about cops, mine workers, and the families that occupy the fictional town of Salt Flat, Kentucky. With a drop of blood, the antagonist is brought to life and slowly begins her endeavor to take control of the miner's and other town residents. Will she succeed? Maybe, maybe not. But you'll just have to read Descension for yourself to answer that question. You'll be glad you did.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that makes people want to stay out of old mines. When the Pendleton company decided to buy and then close the mine; no one was any wiser. Everyone that worked at the mine thought the time off was a gift they did not get often. Little did the townspeople know there was an ulterior motive for the mine. Slowly the reason this mine was chosen became apparent. The people of the town started disappearing. The mine was not suspected so the turning kept going on. I was involved in the story to the point I was asking the policeman, Cole questions. This story promoted an all inclusive feeling and I felt part of the group. When People began to be attacked, the horror really began. I have never read such terrifying episodes that different people had to endure. At some point in the story, I just wanted to be able to rescue people from the terrifying reality that now existed. All the horror written was all because a group of people wanted power and thought that making a pact with an unknown entity would solve all their problems. Another win for good people.

[Amber Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descension is a somewhat slow burn in the beginning, but give it time and all hell breaks loose! Stone utilizes a few different tropes that make sure you never get bored, and there is something for everyone. Mexican cartels, mysterious Russian Mafia, a small podunk town with hillbilly drug runners, haunted mine, ancient evil, and both good and bad spirits. The story is quite haunting and also pretty gruesome.

While Descension is set in the world of Stone’s previous novel, Tent Revival, it can be read as a standalone. I did not read Tent Revival but easily appreciated this story just the same. I will say, the supernatural beings in this book are what I found the most intriguing and original.

I have enjoyed everything I have read by Edmund Stone and I think this might be one of his best!

[Kayla Frederick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something is wrong deep in the mines of Salt Lake. Something old that wants to break its way free. It isn’t long before people start to go missing and the horrific truth of the mines is revealed.

I loved the atmosphere of this book. It’s creepy and intense and really works to build the tension. There’s a haunted mine, cartels, and a Russian mob. There are a lot of things going on so there’s never a dull moment. This of course means an interesting cast of characters, many of whom I loved. Though there were also a few I loathed too. I think that’s what made the plot so compelling, waiting to see if those characters would get what’s coming to them.

All the tension paid off in the end. Original and engaging, this is a slow-burn supernatural horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Stefanie Silvestri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it as a standalone or dive in as part of the Tent Revival universe
This book has something for everyone cartel, mafia, small town, haunted mines, ancient evil, and other spirits. It's creepy, intense, and claustrophobic, with some bloody and gory scenes that really stick with you.
Deep in the mines of Salt Flat, Kentucky, something is waiting. Something you don't want to meet. And now, people in town are vanishing. What is taking them?
Absolute gripper. This book grabbed me instantly and held on tight until the last page. I was on edge of my seat the whole damn time

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a creepy slow burn of a horror book that creates a setting so real you can feel the claustrophobia kick in every time you go down the mines. As if that’s not scary enough, there’s something down there you really do not want to meet! This book has a large cast of characters that somehow pull the whole story together rather than diluting it. The plot is intriguing and does not let go until the end, keep you reading way later than you probably meant to!

[Mike Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! Some very freaking creepy scenes early in the mine, but nothing compared to what was coming. Really enjoyed the characters, even Junior who was a real shit head, great character development throughout the story. The last 3/4 of the book was epic, really enjoyed spending time with cole and Natalie. Very good story and I'll have to check out Tent Revival soon.

Thanks Edmund Stone for allowing me to read this one early.