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Роза Дьявола
Путь грешника усеян болью, скорбью и сожалениями. И лучше всех это знает тот, кто ездит этим путем каждый день — Коул Макги, некогда гордый техасский рейнджер, ныне обреченный охотиться за беглецами из Ада на равнинах живых и мертвых. Но сегодня Коулу, похоже, улыбнулась удача: кто-то сумел совершить побег из глубочайших бездн Преисподней. Ад хочет вернуть беглеца любой ценой, и за его поимку охотнику обещано отпущение грехов. Казалось бы, сделка неплоха, но, настигая жертву, Коул начинает понимать: от сделок с Дьяволом добра не жди...
132 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2007
14 people are currently reading
2665 people want to read
About the author
Brom
60 books6,424 followersBorn in the deep dark south in the mid-sixties. Brom, an army brat, spent his entire youth on the move and unabashedly blames living in such places as Japan, Hawaii, Germany, and Alabama for all his afflictions. From his earliest memories Brom, has been obsessed with the creation of the weird, the monstrous, and the beautiful.
At age twenty, Brom began working full-time as a commercial illustrator in Atlanta, Georgia. Three years later he entered the field of fantastic art he’d loved his whole life, making his mark developing and illustrating for TSR’s best selling role-playing worlds.
He has since gone on to lend his distinctive vision to all facets of the creative industries, from novels and games, to comics and film, receiving numerous awards such as the Spectrum Fantastic Art Grand Master award and the Chesley Lifetime Achievement award. He is also a national best-selling author of a series of award-winning illustrated horror novels: Slewfoot, Lost Gods, Krampus the Yule Lord, The Child Thief, The Plucker, and The Devil’s Rose. Brom is currently kept in a dank cellar somewhere just outside of Savannah.
At age twenty, Brom began working full-time as a commercial illustrator in Atlanta, Georgia. Three years later he entered the field of fantastic art he’d loved his whole life, making his mark developing and illustrating for TSR’s best selling role-playing worlds.
He has since gone on to lend his distinctive vision to all facets of the creative industries, from novels and games, to comics and film, receiving numerous awards such as the Spectrum Fantastic Art Grand Master award and the Chesley Lifetime Achievement award. He is also a national best-selling author of a series of award-winning illustrated horror novels: Slewfoot, Lost Gods, Krampus the Yule Lord, The Child Thief, The Plucker, and The Devil’s Rose. Brom is currently kept in a dank cellar somewhere just outside of Savannah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
December 24, 2014
The Devil's Rose by Brom (Book Review)
"...Cole hit the brake and skidded to a stop. He booted the kickstand down and dismounted.
He kept his eyes on his gun as he walked toward her. She was trying to get to it before he got to her, but her legs were mangled, maybe her spine as well. She screamed through clenched teeth as she dragged herself along the hot pavement on raw flesh and bone.
Stop, he thought, just give up. It's over already.
But she wouldn't stop. She hauled herself to the gun, reaching for it even as he placed his boot on it, trying to claw it free from beneath his weight.
'NOOO, NOOO, NOOO!' she screamed. 'NO YOU SON OF A BITCH! NO YOU DON'T!'
He pulled out his sword. It was best, he'd learned, to make this part quick.
At the sight of the sword she drew back. 'You don't understand. I had to do what I done Had to.' She was bawling now. 'My husband would've killed me. I'm a good Christian. You hear? God, oh Jesus Christ, please save me! PLEASE SAVE ME!'
How many times had he heard this? They all had a story, and they all wanted to be saved by Jesus.
There came a swish of air, and her head rolled along the faded stripes of Highway 163..."
Cole is one of Hell's Rangers. An undead soul sent by the Devil to round up the damn who have found a way to escape from Hell and find their way back to the living world. He's on the trail of such of group of escapees, but one of them is different from the rest, one of them is more than just the damned.
As Cole hunts the escapees down he is reminded of how he came to be. Of his own damnation and the sins he's committed. As he gathers the heads of the damned, he realizes that one of them, the one who orchestrated the escape is missing. He realizes that the one called Rath was using the others as a diversion and has headed back into the pits of Hell. To cross the river Lethe.
"...I killed over two thousand Christians: men, women, and children,' Rath said, speaking more to the mountain of grinning skulls and empty eye sockets than to Cole. 'I wish I could have killed more.
I burned their churches, crucified their priest, raped their women, and fed their children to our beasts.' He said this as though describing nothing more than a holiday table setting.
He took a step into the water, watched his feet fade into the murk.
'I wish I could have done more, more to protect my people. Alas, I was but a small god..."
Cole must face down a forgotten God on the banks of a cleansing river in Hell. Lethe, the rive of oblivion, where souls can be free from Hell's grasp.
This is the fourth book by Brom I have read and devoured. His vision and scope of the worlds just beyond our own are dark tales of Gods once known and forgotten. Except for those terrible nights when the darkness creeps in and all our technology and modern faith can't keep the old gods at bay. These are the stories that Brom tells. Along with illustrations that would make Franzetta squeal. This is the better done version of those old pulp magazines like Creepy and Eerie.
Brom doesn't rely on the violence and nudity of those pulp mags to tell his story, nor does he let it get in his way. Instead he tells a story of regret and longing. Both from the anti-hero and the God he chases. Both looking for their own brand of redemption and knowing in truth they may never have it. The Hell Brom paints is an underworld of depraved suffering, that leaves you sympathetic for the damned. His description and artwork work seamlessly. This is not a graphic novel. It is an illustrated novel. Like the picture books we read as children only they would never let us have one like this.
Brom is a visionary, had I mentioned that? And the dark worlds he brings into the light will leave you wishing they had stayed hidden. But then, what is the fun in that?
A good read.
"...Cole hit the brake and skidded to a stop. He booted the kickstand down and dismounted.
He kept his eyes on his gun as he walked toward her. She was trying to get to it before he got to her, but her legs were mangled, maybe her spine as well. She screamed through clenched teeth as she dragged herself along the hot pavement on raw flesh and bone.
Stop, he thought, just give up. It's over already.
But she wouldn't stop. She hauled herself to the gun, reaching for it even as he placed his boot on it, trying to claw it free from beneath his weight.
'NOOO, NOOO, NOOO!' she screamed. 'NO YOU SON OF A BITCH! NO YOU DON'T!'
He pulled out his sword. It was best, he'd learned, to make this part quick.
At the sight of the sword she drew back. 'You don't understand. I had to do what I done Had to.' She was bawling now. 'My husband would've killed me. I'm a good Christian. You hear? God, oh Jesus Christ, please save me! PLEASE SAVE ME!'
How many times had he heard this? They all had a story, and they all wanted to be saved by Jesus.
There came a swish of air, and her head rolled along the faded stripes of Highway 163..."
Cole is one of Hell's Rangers. An undead soul sent by the Devil to round up the damn who have found a way to escape from Hell and find their way back to the living world. He's on the trail of such of group of escapees, but one of them is different from the rest, one of them is more than just the damned.
As Cole hunts the escapees down he is reminded of how he came to be. Of his own damnation and the sins he's committed. As he gathers the heads of the damned, he realizes that one of them, the one who orchestrated the escape is missing. He realizes that the one called Rath was using the others as a diversion and has headed back into the pits of Hell. To cross the river Lethe.
"...I killed over two thousand Christians: men, women, and children,' Rath said, speaking more to the mountain of grinning skulls and empty eye sockets than to Cole. 'I wish I could have killed more.
I burned their churches, crucified their priest, raped their women, and fed their children to our beasts.' He said this as though describing nothing more than a holiday table setting.
He took a step into the water, watched his feet fade into the murk.
'I wish I could have done more, more to protect my people. Alas, I was but a small god..."
Cole must face down a forgotten God on the banks of a cleansing river in Hell. Lethe, the rive of oblivion, where souls can be free from Hell's grasp.
This is the fourth book by Brom I have read and devoured. His vision and scope of the worlds just beyond our own are dark tales of Gods once known and forgotten. Except for those terrible nights when the darkness creeps in and all our technology and modern faith can't keep the old gods at bay. These are the stories that Brom tells. Along with illustrations that would make Franzetta squeal. This is the better done version of those old pulp magazines like Creepy and Eerie.
Brom doesn't rely on the violence and nudity of those pulp mags to tell his story, nor does he let it get in his way. Instead he tells a story of regret and longing. Both from the anti-hero and the God he chases. Both looking for their own brand of redemption and knowing in truth they may never have it. The Hell Brom paints is an underworld of depraved suffering, that leaves you sympathetic for the damned. His description and artwork work seamlessly. This is not a graphic novel. It is an illustrated novel. Like the picture books we read as children only they would never let us have one like this.
Brom is a visionary, had I mentioned that? And the dark worlds he brings into the light will leave you wishing they had stayed hidden. But then, what is the fun in that?
A good read.
December 30, 2010
This is the second book I have read by Brom. The first was "The Plucker"; that was a great book and both the artwork and writing were awesome. This book wasn't written quite as well as "The Plucker" but the artwork was just as fantastic.
In this book Cole hunts down escape souls for Hell; he is working to get the Devil's favor so that he can rescue Rose. Only this time one of the souls he is chasing is different and it makes him start to question if the souls he hunts down really deserve what they get. In general this book really reminded me of Stephen King's Dark Tower series; it has that fantasy/gunslinger vibe going on.
The writing in the beginning of the book was a bit awkward but as the book progressed, and Brom got into the story, the writing really improved. The artwork was astonishing as always. Brom is just an excellent artist. The story itself was interesting and engaging. Overall a wonderful book; if it hadn't been for the awkward beginning I would give it 5 stars.
This book is mainly suitable for older kids and adults; it is very violent and there is some off-color language. Those of you familiar with Brom's previous work shouldn't be surprised. Just a heads up.
This book was great and I am really looking forward to reading his next book "Child Thief" which I have an ARC of.
In this book Cole hunts down escape souls for Hell; he is working to get the Devil's favor so that he can rescue Rose. Only this time one of the souls he is chasing is different and it makes him start to question if the souls he hunts down really deserve what they get. In general this book really reminded me of Stephen King's Dark Tower series; it has that fantasy/gunslinger vibe going on.
The writing in the beginning of the book was a bit awkward but as the book progressed, and Brom got into the story, the writing really improved. The artwork was astonishing as always. Brom is just an excellent artist. The story itself was interesting and engaging. Overall a wonderful book; if it hadn't been for the awkward beginning I would give it 5 stars.
This book is mainly suitable for older kids and adults; it is very violent and there is some off-color language. Those of you familiar with Brom's previous work shouldn't be surprised. Just a heads up.
This book was great and I am really looking forward to reading his next book "Child Thief" which I have an ARC of.
December 29, 2016
5/5 for art
3/5 for story
I love Brom's gothic art. It's just gorgeous to me.
The true joy is that this is a beautiful hardcover book. Glossy pages and a rustic, gothic design complement Brom's art.
The story is decent. It's not mind blowing but it is good. I really liked the end. For the first 30 pages or so I was a bit confused and there is some definite gory descriptions and art; but I would expect nothing less from Brom. By the halfway point the story is really coming together and I thoroughly enjoyed the end.
Let's face it, the story is secondary to the art in this book. Would make a wonderful coffee table book that gets people intrigued or turned off depending on how they feel about gothic art. Great way to screen new friends or dates if you want them to be able to handle your darker side. (Lol)
I'm very pleased to add this book to my library and know that I'll flip through it from time to time.
Now I just have to hope that I get to meet Brom a second time in my life (met him about 7 years ago for first time) so I can have him sign my new collection of gorgeous things he's done.
3/5 for story
I love Brom's gothic art. It's just gorgeous to me.
The true joy is that this is a beautiful hardcover book. Glossy pages and a rustic, gothic design complement Brom's art.
The story is decent. It's not mind blowing but it is good. I really liked the end. For the first 30 pages or so I was a bit confused and there is some definite gory descriptions and art; but I would expect nothing less from Brom. By the halfway point the story is really coming together and I thoroughly enjoyed the end.
Let's face it, the story is secondary to the art in this book. Would make a wonderful coffee table book that gets people intrigued or turned off depending on how they feel about gothic art. Great way to screen new friends or dates if you want them to be able to handle your darker side. (Lol)
I'm very pleased to add this book to my library and know that I'll flip through it from time to time.
Now I just have to hope that I get to meet Brom a second time in my life (met him about 7 years ago for first time) so I can have him sign my new collection of gorgeous things he's done.
May 29, 2017
Interesting story with superb art. It seems Brom writes about characters who live on the fringe. Those with very limited choices and decisions, filled with the best of intentions, usual end badly. The character's are always trying to repent or atone for past mistakes. The Devil's Rose is no different. Cole is trying to right an old wrong that he committed against someone he loved, trying to find forgiveness and atonement by hunting escaped souls for the Devil. Everything seems clear cut and black and white until he discovers there may be another path to redemption. It seems to me that there is a seed here that led to the writing of his newest book, Lost Gods.
The picture that led to the idea of this book was interesting also. Brom explains this at the end of the book.
The picture that led to the idea of this book was interesting also. Brom explains this at the end of the book.
December 14, 2011
While waiting on The Child Thief to come from ILL, I figured I'd check out stuff by Brom that the library actually owns. Imagine Roland Deschain if he was after souls who've escaped from Hell rather than the Dark Tower. The artwork is spectacular. While I don't care at all for the whole Cole/Rose romance, I liked the rest of the story well enough. The dragon on the second to last page would make an exquisite tattoo; if I didn't already have one (that I vaguely regret) on the back of my neck, I would so get this there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up.
This book is a treat. It’s a picture book for adults. Every page is beautiful and on point with the theme of the story and there are so many gorgeous illustrations inside. Beautiful artwork aside the story itself is satisfying and engrossing! Such a deep world crammed into 100 and some pages. I loved this story and definitely devoured it almost one sitting. The characters had such depth too and I loved all their backstories and their story arcs. This is well worth the read just for the story alone and then add the gorgeous artwork and it’s incredibly worth the purchase and read! Definitely recommend this.
This book is a treat. It’s a picture book for adults. Every page is beautiful and on point with the theme of the story and there are so many gorgeous illustrations inside. Beautiful artwork aside the story itself is satisfying and engrossing! Such a deep world crammed into 100 and some pages. I loved this story and definitely devoured it almost one sitting. The characters had such depth too and I loved all their backstories and their story arcs. This is well worth the read just for the story alone and then add the gorgeous artwork and it’s incredibly worth the purchase and read! Definitely recommend this.
September 18, 2025
"You are not doing God's work… God does not decide a soul's penance. God only denies them His kingdom. You are doing the Devil's work. Do not ever confuse the two."
I’m convinced this man could not write a book that I wouldn’t enjoy reading. It was much shorter than I would have liked, but still a fun read. His stunning artwork on nearly every page just added depth to the book & made up for the lack of world-building that his newer books have.
I’m convinced this man could not write a book that I wouldn’t enjoy reading. It was much shorter than I would have liked, but still a fun read. His stunning artwork on nearly every page just added depth to the book & made up for the lack of world-building that his newer books have.
December 22, 2022
4 Stars!
I love Brom's Art, and The Devil's Rose has some excellent artwork.
The writing isn't as great as the Art, but it is interesting, with a unique storyline, and kept me fully engaged.
For some reason, whenever I finish a book written by Brom, I immediately want to read another of Brom's books.
I love Brom's Art, and The Devil's Rose has some excellent artwork.
The writing isn't as great as the Art, but it is interesting, with a unique storyline, and kept me fully engaged.
For some reason, whenever I finish a book written by Brom, I immediately want to read another of Brom's books.
June 30, 2020
It doesn't matter what Brom writes, I will read every damn word he prints! This man's imagination is off the chain! The worlds he builds, the characters he creates are all perfection!
August 15, 2023
My favorite author never disappoints! I want to read all his books🖤
November 3, 2023
As always, Brom’s art is fantastic. But this story fell flat for me.
January 17, 2024
A gunslinger from Hell, rounding up escapee souls comes up against a minor god and his conscious.
June 25, 2020
I can’t read a Brom book and not fall in love. This book wasn’t any different. Even though the ending wasn’t an happily ever after, it left me satisfied that Cole found his comfort and forgiveness of what he had done. Excellent read. Can’t wait for Brom 2021.
February 13, 2022
Brom #2 I’ve read and wow I’m obsessed.
June 9, 2014
As someone of the Catholic faith, reading anything that discusses the different sides to God and religion is very intriguing. Today is a time where people are very sensitive about lots of topics-and rightfully so. While I may not believe in homosexuality for example, in no way do I look down on those people or think, you will burn in Hell. Because they are people, and everyone has a life to live the way they want, and the fact that anyone would write someone off simply because of a stupid STUPID thing called religion, I cannot tolerate.
So, I can agree with almost anyone here who hates religion. It has done dreadful things and people sometimes just take that term and use it as a shield to say, "I can do what I am because my religion says I must." or "I'm just doing what any good Christian/Catholic/Buddhist/etc. would." SHUT THE HELL UP. This is why others hate you. I shouldn't hate because my God is of love-and please let's not get into that whole, God was so cruel before. YES that was in the OLD TESTAMENT. After Christ died for our sins, God did away with that and the 10 Commandments because He knows that because we are HUMAN we couldn't simply adhere to such rules completely-but I do hate people who do this. I am human and hate is something I can feel. I hate how people kill, mock, ridicule etc. each other and I don't care whether or not you believe in God-mine or a different one. I want us ALL to get along. Religion, is what makes people hate God, because there are flipping idiots out there thinking "Oh how great am I, for doing this in the name of the Lord."
This just shows the stupidity of some people who think they are so high and might with spreading hate like this. Some of my best friends are gay. And you know what? It doesn't freaking matter what their sexuality is!!!
And another idiot:
Like seriously. What is it with these people?! I believe in God, but I have never felt the need to do this shit. I love people and my faith is based on love, and these haters be all, "Hur hur look at me."
WHAT THE HELL. WHY THE HELL ARE YOU LAUGHING YOU CRAZY BITCH.
SHUT THE FLIPPING HELL UP AND FREAKING LEAVE PEOPLE ALONE. IF YOU WANT PEOPLE TO CONSIDER YOUR GOD, WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU THINK THIS MAKES YOUR GOD LOOK LOVING/COMPASSIONATE/GOOD ETC.? I AM SICK OF PEOPLE LIKE THIS. YOU MAKE GOD LOOK BAD YOU STUPID PEOPLE.
Enough about this. I just want readers to know, that unfortunately as we are human and all do stupid stuff, not every person of a faith does this. And I am not saying you don't already know that. It just irks me so much when people lump all Catholics/Christians/Buddishsts etc. together as homo-phobes or other stuff. I can guarantee you that I am not the only person who despises how people like the ones that irk you act all good and stuff whilst condemning others. That is pure BS.
So, Brom was able to bring up such topics. He made me think. Unfortunately, there are bad people out there in the guise of the priesthood. Yes, there are people who hate homosexuals just because they think they can because the Bible says it is against God. But you know what? Why do these people care anyways so much? We aren't supposed to judge. Or condmen. We are supposed to treat them with as much respect as everyone deserves. But freaking religion messes with peoples heads and then we have these crazy people with picket signs marching up to families mourning their deceased soldier who fought FOR THEIR COUNTRY and they laugh and jeer and delight in the fact that since killing is wrong, the soldier will be in Hell. What the actual F?! That is just sick and disgusting, and I hate those people.
Brom lights up the problem without spazzing out like I am here. He lightly brings up the topic of how we should pin religion and the nasty people who do stupid shit like I have mentioned as wrong. And I agree. Yes, I go to church. But I don't think that religion is what I need to believe.
And the first thing people need to do is stop blaming others for stuff. Stop parading blasphemy at funerals, stop thinking your'e so high because you are drawing attention.
Brom once again adds his gorgeous artwork into his awesome story, and I ended the book on a satisfied note. I hope that whoever did stick out this long tangent will leave a comment if they feel so inclined. :) Thank you for reading this, again, and I sincerely hope that one day,everyone could just get along and stop judging others. Just stop, it helps no one.
So, I can agree with almost anyone here who hates religion. It has done dreadful things and people sometimes just take that term and use it as a shield to say, "I can do what I am because my religion says I must." or "I'm just doing what any good Christian/Catholic/Buddhist/etc. would." SHUT THE HELL UP. This is why others hate you. I shouldn't hate because my God is of love-and please let's not get into that whole, God was so cruel before. YES that was in the OLD TESTAMENT. After Christ died for our sins, God did away with that and the 10 Commandments because He knows that because we are HUMAN we couldn't simply adhere to such rules completely-but I do hate people who do this. I am human and hate is something I can feel. I hate how people kill, mock, ridicule etc. each other and I don't care whether or not you believe in God-mine or a different one. I want us ALL to get along. Religion, is what makes people hate God, because there are flipping idiots out there thinking "Oh how great am I, for doing this in the name of the Lord."
This just shows the stupidity of some people who think they are so high and might with spreading hate like this. Some of my best friends are gay. And you know what? It doesn't freaking matter what their sexuality is!!!And another idiot:
Like seriously. What is it with these people?! I believe in God, but I have never felt the need to do this shit. I love people and my faith is based on love, and these haters be all, "Hur hur look at me."
WHAT THE HELL. WHY THE HELL ARE YOU LAUGHING YOU CRAZY BITCH.
SHUT THE FLIPPING HELL UP AND FREAKING LEAVE PEOPLE ALONE. IF YOU WANT PEOPLE TO CONSIDER YOUR GOD, WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU THINK THIS MAKES YOUR GOD LOOK LOVING/COMPASSIONATE/GOOD ETC.? I AM SICK OF PEOPLE LIKE THIS. YOU MAKE GOD LOOK BAD YOU STUPID PEOPLE.
Enough about this. I just want readers to know, that unfortunately as we are human and all do stupid stuff, not every person of a faith does this. And I am not saying you don't already know that. It just irks me so much when people lump all Catholics/Christians/Buddishsts etc. together as homo-phobes or other stuff. I can guarantee you that I am not the only person who despises how people like the ones that irk you act all good and stuff whilst condemning others. That is pure BS.
So, Brom was able to bring up such topics. He made me think. Unfortunately, there are bad people out there in the guise of the priesthood. Yes, there are people who hate homosexuals just because they think they can because the Bible says it is against God. But you know what? Why do these people care anyways so much? We aren't supposed to judge. Or condmen. We are supposed to treat them with as much respect as everyone deserves. But freaking religion messes with peoples heads and then we have these crazy people with picket signs marching up to families mourning their deceased soldier who fought FOR THEIR COUNTRY and they laugh and jeer and delight in the fact that since killing is wrong, the soldier will be in Hell. What the actual F?! That is just sick and disgusting, and I hate those people.
Brom lights up the problem without spazzing out like I am here. He lightly brings up the topic of how we should pin religion and the nasty people who do stupid shit like I have mentioned as wrong. And I agree. Yes, I go to church. But I don't think that religion is what I need to believe.
And the first thing people need to do is stop blaming others for stuff. Stop parading blasphemy at funerals, stop thinking your'e so high because you are drawing attention.
Brom once again adds his gorgeous artwork into his awesome story, and I ended the book on a satisfied note. I hope that whoever did stick out this long tangent will leave a comment if they feel so inclined. :) Thank you for reading this, again, and I sincerely hope that one day,everyone could just get along and stop judging others. Just stop, it helps no one.
November 15, 2021
I love the way Bron tells stories and this book is one of the first he wrote. The story is sad and touching and makes you really discover different sides to each characters stories and motivations; pair that with the amazing drawings and paintings by Brom and you got an excellent read. The missing star is because it leaves you wanting a 2nd book there isn't one.
September 16, 2009
I read this almost immediately after finishing Brom's The Plucker An Illustrated Novel, which I enjoyed quite a bit. I perhaps expected a little too mcuh based on my enjoyment of Plucker.
The characters are mostly escaped residents of Hell and are suitably grim. Only two have any real depth to them. The story is fairly straightforward, a tale of a bounty hunter's lost love interwoven with the story of the escapees. The bounter hunter's desire to redeem himself to the love he wronged brings a welcome (though hardly original) storyline to the novel.
Where Plucker had a dark, child-like element of fantasy to it, Devil's Rose lacks any element to raise it above average. I've read a number of western/horror stories that had a similar feel. There are a few creative ideas in the story, but little of it stands out from the pack. I likely would have enjoyed it a bit more if the author had spent more time on some of the philosophical questions that the story raises. There are hints of questions that another author, perhaps Gaiman, Neil, would have made more central to the story.
The artwork completements the story well. It doesn't hold many surprises for the reader; it's fairly typical of Brom's work. The quality is typical for Brom. I was a little disappointed that I've seen several of the works before in other venues, reducing their impact here.
The characters are mostly escaped residents of Hell and are suitably grim. Only two have any real depth to them. The story is fairly straightforward, a tale of a bounty hunter's lost love interwoven with the story of the escapees. The bounter hunter's desire to redeem himself to the love he wronged brings a welcome (though hardly original) storyline to the novel.
Where Plucker had a dark, child-like element of fantasy to it, Devil's Rose lacks any element to raise it above average. I've read a number of western/horror stories that had a similar feel. There are a few creative ideas in the story, but little of it stands out from the pack. I likely would have enjoyed it a bit more if the author had spent more time on some of the philosophical questions that the story raises. There are hints of questions that another author, perhaps Gaiman, Neil, would have made more central to the story.
The artwork completements the story well. It doesn't hold many surprises for the reader; it's fairly typical of Brom's work. The quality is typical for Brom. I was a little disappointed that I've seen several of the works before in other venues, reducing their impact here.
March 19, 2011
I have long been a huge fan of Brom's beautiful dark art style. When my husband stumbled on this stunning hardcover tale written and illustrated by the man himself, it was his obligation to make a purchase on my behalf.
This story (more of a novella than a novel) combined wickedness and tenderness, beauty and horror, hope and despair with stunning results. While I think that Brom is still ultimately better suited to painting than writing, he didn't exactly stumble over the written word here, either. His storytelling held my attention pretty raptly, and the story flowed well; back story merging with present tense effortlessly and with little or no confusion. And the romance in this story was the icing on the proverbial black cake; I felt deeply for Cole and his beloved Rose, who was torn so brutally from his arms by cruel circumstance.
Truly a wonderful book for all fans of dark fantasy, horror, romance, the sacred, and the profane.
Oh, yeah, and really killer motorcycles.
This story (more of a novella than a novel) combined wickedness and tenderness, beauty and horror, hope and despair with stunning results. While I think that Brom is still ultimately better suited to painting than writing, he didn't exactly stumble over the written word here, either. His storytelling held my attention pretty raptly, and the story flowed well; back story merging with present tense effortlessly and with little or no confusion. And the romance in this story was the icing on the proverbial black cake; I felt deeply for Cole and his beloved Rose, who was torn so brutally from his arms by cruel circumstance.
Truly a wonderful book for all fans of dark fantasy, horror, romance, the sacred, and the profane.
Oh, yeah, and really killer motorcycles.
August 9, 2016
Brom has to be one of the most talented fantasy artists working today, and to top it all, he can actually write too! The Devil's Rose is Brom's second illustrated novel (his first being the sumptuously gorgeous The Plucker) and with it he proves he's not just a one-hit wonder. His dark yet achingly beautiful art perfectly complements this twisted tale of damnation, redemption and the choices made by one man on a quest. I can't recommend this highly enough - it's as near to perfect as you can get.
December 29, 2009
This is the second book I've read of Brom's, and I really like his work. The books are always laid out with his original art and writings, which make the books a bit of a treat.
The Devil's Rose is a morbid love story in a way with the soulhunter searching for redemption from his true love even after death. Even in this, the plot takes a slight twist from the well-worn tales of trying to gain forgiveness from one's loved one.
Like Brom's other works, this is a quick, fun read.
The Devil's Rose is a morbid love story in a way with the soulhunter searching for redemption from his true love even after death. Even in this, the plot takes a slight twist from the well-worn tales of trying to gain forgiveness from one's loved one.
Like Brom's other works, this is a quick, fun read.
January 14, 2016
This story felt highly indebted to Stephen King's Dark Tower series. I liked it, but it felt incomplete, like the sketch for a longer, more complex novel. My favorite thing about it was the illustrations of Rath, this demonic character I feel sure was based on Iggy Pop. Overall, I feel it did an injustice to itself because it created an evocative world and put an intriguing anti-hero at the center of it, then just petered out.
January 13, 2010
This was a book chosen by my wife for our nightly reading sessions. Brom, by the way, is her favorite artist. And man, he's a super fabulous writer of deep grit too. Blood guts gunslinging demons and Texas. Can't go wrong.
August 5, 2013
This story wasn't as captivating as I hoped it would be. Based on the purely the story, I'd say this is my least favourite of Brom's books I have read. Regardless, the art was fantastic as always, I just think more could have been done with the concept. Overall not bad, but not great.
April 6, 2020
Another magnificent story from Brom. This one is a story of the search for lost love and redemption, and done in the wonderful visual style that I've started to become familiar with when reading Brom. And of course, his gorgeous pieces of art throughout the book really make the story come alive.
August 17, 2021
Cole is sent from Hell, to reclaim souls that escape. When a group of of escapees led by a man who has plans for his return to Hell, Cole has to stop him before he does. For Rose.
The Devil’s Rose is the fourth book I’ve read by Brom, and he’s still staying strong as one of those auto-buy authors that can do no wrong. While this isn’t quite the same level as the other novels of his I’ve read, it was still a really enjoyable read and the illustrations are equally as amazing, if not the best of all of the novels.
Cole is such an interesting, conflicted character. As a soul who is sent to reclaim other escaped souls, he has no real reason to want to catch them other than as a way to find his way back to the woman he loved, the woman he wronged. This was a story of redemption, on so many levels. It went a lot deeper than just his goals to right his wrongs and return to Rose. Even the escapees have their need for redemption. The characters in the story is morally grey, and it made for such an interesting dynamic to read a book about souls escaping from Hell, and sympathizing with many of them.
Again though, the illustrations are what really made this. It’s a quick read, but you can spend ages looking at each illustration to really delve deeper into the story. Some of them are gruesome, much as parts of the story, but each little detail is so well done and just enforces what a talent Brom is. This is a really perfect for readers who generally lean more towards graphic novels and are looking for something a little bit more literary but still need a lot of visuals to help them get into it.
If you’ve not read Brom before, this is actually a really good starting point if you don’t want to commit to a huge tome of a book. It’s a quick, fun read, that really gives you a good idea of what you can expect from his larger novels. It’s especially good if you’re just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon with some hints of gruesome.
The Devil’s Rose is the fourth book I’ve read by Brom, and he’s still staying strong as one of those auto-buy authors that can do no wrong. While this isn’t quite the same level as the other novels of his I’ve read, it was still a really enjoyable read and the illustrations are equally as amazing, if not the best of all of the novels.
Cole is such an interesting, conflicted character. As a soul who is sent to reclaim other escaped souls, he has no real reason to want to catch them other than as a way to find his way back to the woman he loved, the woman he wronged. This was a story of redemption, on so many levels. It went a lot deeper than just his goals to right his wrongs and return to Rose. Even the escapees have their need for redemption. The characters in the story is morally grey, and it made for such an interesting dynamic to read a book about souls escaping from Hell, and sympathizing with many of them.
Again though, the illustrations are what really made this. It’s a quick read, but you can spend ages looking at each illustration to really delve deeper into the story. Some of them are gruesome, much as parts of the story, but each little detail is so well done and just enforces what a talent Brom is. This is a really perfect for readers who generally lean more towards graphic novels and are looking for something a little bit more literary but still need a lot of visuals to help them get into it.
If you’ve not read Brom before, this is actually a really good starting point if you don’t want to commit to a huge tome of a book. It’s a quick, fun read, that really gives you a good idea of what you can expect from his larger novels. It’s especially good if you’re just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon with some hints of gruesome.
September 1, 2021
Первая книга нового года вышла не самой позитивной, зато определенно крутой.
Не могу сразу же не сказать про иллюстрации - они шикарны! Каждую из них можно рассматривать часами, находя всё новые подробности. И если изначально, просматривая книгу, они показались мне просто интересными, то погружаясь с ними в сюжет, они обретают новые смыслы и добавляют истории шарма...
Сам сюжет оказался очень увлекательным и местами жутковатым. Коул, полтора века назад попавший в ад, служит дьяволу, вылавливая души, сбежавшие из загробного мира и возвращающий их в бездну. Таким образом Коул хочет искупить свои грехи, чтобы найти свою возлюбленную - Розу, с которой так нехорошо расстался, будучи живым. Только мысль о любимой дает Коулу силы выполнять свою работу, но настанет день, когда мужчина пересмотрит свои приоритеты...
Эта история как нельзя лучше отображает поговорку "Что имеем не храним, потерявши - плачем". У книги получился глубокий посыл и шикарный финал, которого мне, откровенно говоря, было мало... Я хочу продолжения этой истории, потому что всей душой привязалась к Коулу.
Как итог, роскошная история для всех любителей темного фэнтези. Книга определенно займет достойное место на моей полке, и будет перечитываться не один раз.
P.s.: практически всю книгу в моей голове играла песня AC/DC - Highway to Hell :)
Не могу сразу же не сказать про иллюстрации - они шикарны! Каждую из них можно рассматривать часами, находя всё новые подробности. И если изначально, просматривая книгу, они показались мне просто интересными, то погружаясь с ними в сюжет, они обретают новые смыслы и добавляют истории шарма...
Сам сюжет оказался очень увлекательным и местами жутковатым. Коул, полтора века назад попавший в ад, служит дьяволу, вылавливая души, сбежавшие из загробного мира и возвращающий их в бездну. Таким образом Коул хочет искупить свои грехи, чтобы найти свою возлюбленную - Розу, с которой так нехорошо расстался, будучи живым. Только мысль о любимой дает Коулу силы выполнять свою работу, но настанет день, когда мужчина пересмотрит свои приоритеты...
Эта история как нельзя лучше отображает поговорку "Что имеем не храним, потерявши - плачем". У книги получился глубокий посыл и шикарный финал, которого мне, откровенно говоря, было мало... Я хочу продолжения этой истории, потому что всей душой привязалась к Коулу.
Как итог, роскошная история для всех любителей темного фэнтези. Книга определенно займет достойное место на моей полке, и будет перечитываться не один раз.
P.s.: практически всю книгу в моей голове играла песня AC/DC - Highway to Hell :)
January 25, 2019
This is the story of hell's bounty hunter, Cole Mcgee, a once proud texas ranger, no dead and damned soul. When Mcgee is offered a chance to be free of hell by hunting down an important escapee he takes it but he soon learns that this quarry is more that he seems.
THIS STORY HAS NO ENDING! The writing is great, don't get me wrong, I love Brom but I hate that you never find out what happens to the main character or if he reunites with his long dead love (which is his entire character motivation). The character development is great, the art is amazing, and if you looking for something to add to your Brom collection, this is it. but if your just looking for something to read, WALK AWAY NOW. This story will just frustrate you. Until there is a second part The Plucker is much better, so is Lost Gods and The child Thief all by Brom. If your new to this writer I would suggest Lost Gods or The child thief first, either one is great.
THIS STORY HAS NO ENDING! The writing is great, don't get me wrong, I love Brom but I hate that you never find out what happens to the main character or if he reunites with his long dead love (which is his entire character motivation). The character development is great, the art is amazing, and if you looking for something to add to your Brom collection, this is it. but if your just looking for something to read, WALK AWAY NOW. This story will just frustrate you. Until there is a second part The Plucker is much better, so is Lost Gods and The child Thief all by Brom. If your new to this writer I would suggest Lost Gods or The child thief first, either one is great.
July 6, 2018
Awesome book! I’ve said it before: Brom is one of the best authors around. Also my current favorite. I’ve read all of his published works and every one of them ranks among my favorites. He can do more with a page of words than any sell-out piece of shit like James Patterson could dream of. In this book, the chapter about Rose was so intense and sad that I had to stop reading a bit and read the bad parts really fast because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to finish. Brom is a true talent and I can’t recommend his books enough. If you find yourself undecided on what to read next, picking up a book by Brom will always be in your best interest. 5 hellish stars.
October 20, 2020
I really wanted to love this book. I LOVED "Plucker", and this one seemed to be more in that vein than "Krampus" (which was not nearly as enjoyable). Alas, the story was lacking. Very limited plot, structure was a bit disjointed, not sure who we are rooting for. I also felt like it was a very abrupt ending; maybe this is the start of a series? The major plot conflict was not resolved, minor plot items were not resolved, some characters were introduced but not really used. All of this leads me to believe that there is more coming...but it's been a long time...
Artwork is gorgeous. And really, that's why someone would buy this book. 5 stars for art for sure.
Artwork is gorgeous. And really, that's why someone would buy this book. 5 stars for art for sure.
March 15, 2023
So I’m actually surprised by all the bad reviews. Maybe I loved it because I didn’t go into it expecting a masterpiece, I just went into it ready to get whatever. A short, engaging and interesting story with fantastic art per usual.
Sort of spoilers ahead?? So warning!
I actually feel like you could almost view this as a pre book to Lost Gods considering it’s set in a time somewhat (could be hundreds of years technically lol) before Lost Gods since Rath says something along the lines of how the lesser gods are all being forced down / forgotten as the ‘one god/s’ take over earth. Either way this made me like it even more!
Sort of spoilers ahead?? So warning!
I actually feel like you could almost view this as a pre book to Lost Gods considering it’s set in a time somewhat (could be hundreds of years technically lol) before Lost Gods since Rath says something along the lines of how the lesser gods are all being forced down / forgotten as the ‘one god/s’ take over earth. Either way this made me like it even more!
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