At 50%, I am debating whether to continue on (I think #4 the plot changes a bit, looking forward to that...equally, with all the great stuff to read - why am I treading water here?)...perhaps a bit of vent will help propel me to the finish line.
C'mon! It's nearly the same story as Book#1 The Devil's Kiss & Book#2 The Devil's Heart. Once again, a small town where the residents become disciples of the Devil & other folk who are bewildered and perpetually unbelieving that evil is afoot.
The Beasts just seem to appear out of holes like Cicadas...emerging when necessary to "Feast & Snarl." Town folk are always leering out of windows, with yellow teeth. I get "the game" is tied to Sam Balon - but it really seems convenient.
Amusingly, Johnstone sure loves to have his characters put a pot of coffee on and discuss the compiling events. These convos were epic in Book#1 - page after page of everyone proclaiming disbelief that their neighbors are now servants of Satan. Tedious. Book #2 was a bit better I thought, but it was still the same plot in the end.
This, of course, is all mixed up with loads of graphic sex that gets old real fast. There are moments when it's interesting...mostly when Sam and Nydia are on the page.
All the dozens of ancillary characters are just unimportant...I find my self "speed reading" when the primary protags aren't moving the plot towards the inevitable...another showdown in town. Okay, done with rant...now to chew down the last 50% and hope that book#4 will improve.
Ended up skimming to the final battle. Overall, pointless story that fails to advance Sam’s story. Way too many characters…Sam & Nydia’s stupid infidelities were annoying in that they would both realize they were under the influence of evil and make up. Teenage me would have loved this much more. I’ll skim book 4 I guess, but will be hovering over the eject button.