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The Children of the Mountain #2
The Devil You Know
The Juvies have fled Eden for Mount Weather, but Gabriel knows they’re not safe there. As soon as winter ends and the storms clear Kane will send Peck for them.
Gabriel has a plan, though. They have Marv’s map, with all the other bunkers that once were part of the Federal Relocation Arc marked on it. And Gabriel knows the outside; he’s spent years scavenging it, after all. He can find them a new home.
But Gabriel’s about to find out that the world’s not the place he thought it was.
And Kane might not be the worst it has to offer.
Gabriel has a plan, though. They have Marv’s map, with all the other bunkers that once were part of the Federal Relocation Arc marked on it. And Gabriel knows the outside; he’s spent years scavenging it, after all. He can find them a new home.
But Gabriel’s about to find out that the world’s not the place he thought it was.
And Kane might not be the worst it has to offer.
Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2016
436 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Hakok
6 books90 followersR.A. Hakok discovered writing while recovering from a lengthy legal career. His first novel, the techno-thriller Viable, was followed by Among Wolves, a chilling tale about a small group of schoolchildren who find themselves living inside a mountain after the world outside ends. The second and third books in the Children of the Mountain series are now available, and he is currently hard at work on the fourth. For more information and to download the free companion ebooks to the series please visit www.rahakok.com. While there you could swing by the contact page and say hi. R.A. Hakok loves getting emails from readers, and responds to all of them personally, and hardly ever in the third person.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 21, 2016
Great series
Lightning Child (Children Of The Mountain Book 3) hurry, hurry, hurry. I can not wait. Awesome series. Yadda, yadda, yadda
Lightning Child (Children Of The Mountain Book 3) hurry, hurry, hurry. I can not wait. Awesome series. Yadda, yadda, yadda
September 7, 2018
Having recently read Among Wolves leaving a mixed review for the book, I immediately undertook The Devil You Know and had high hopes for the continuation of the story being a greater success than the first with the added weight of the first book behind it. I enjoyed the book, Hakok successfully finds a new journey to take the main characters on that was previously unexplored in the first book and pushed the story onwards. I have read other reviews regarding both of Hakok's novels are really well written and fleshed out and as much as his writing style has grown on me, it is far from a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination. What saves The Devil You Know, as with the previous installment, is that Hakok steers the story well and to a solidly open ended conclusion that obviously begs the next installment, and is delivered adequately through the youthful perspective of our naive Gabriel. Though he has seemed to have grown since the first book, he has hardly matured and I find it a tad frustrating at times. But not nearly as frustrating as Hakok's habit of dropping massive hints for oncoming plot twists that make some of what you'd hope would be unexpected twists that are so clued up you see them a mile off.
Despite my personal opinions on the writing style, I have to impress that I did enjoy the storyline. I had the same routine as the first book of feeling like reading it was a mistake until about 120 pages in and becoming suddenly interested in the plot. I understand that the style of writing is intended as that of a young and naive teenager, however I have seen the same style of writing delivered much more effectively in Brandon Sanderson's The Reckoner's series, which I was blown away by.
I have Lighting Child at the ready and am fully committed to seeing where the story leads, im invested enough now to want to find out what happens next.
Despite my personal opinions on the writing style, I have to impress that I did enjoy the storyline. I had the same routine as the first book of feeling like reading it was a mistake until about 120 pages in and becoming suddenly interested in the plot. I understand that the style of writing is intended as that of a young and naive teenager, however I have seen the same style of writing delivered much more effectively in Brandon Sanderson's The Reckoner's series, which I was blown away by.
I have Lighting Child at the ready and am fully committed to seeing where the story leads, im invested enough now to want to find out what happens next.
September 15, 2016
I have a very high standard as far writing and story goes, and I love the post apocalyptic genre. This series is in my top five of the best writing and story.
This book picks up where the last one ends. It's non stop action, but where the last one was a bit too long (but necessary), I didn't want this one to end.
Having so many facilities to check, hopefully this story will go one, and not just be a trilogy.
If you liked the Ashfall series or the Wool series, you'll like this.
This book picks up where the last one ends. It's non stop action, but where the last one was a bit too long (but necessary), I didn't want this one to end.
Having so many facilities to check, hopefully this story will go one, and not just be a trilogy.
If you liked the Ashfall series or the Wool series, you'll like this.
February 17, 2019
A direct continuation of "Among Wolves" which you'd need to read first before tackling this. The plot is well constructed and the characters credible, although the teenagers who have been isolated inside a mountain since the ages of 5 or 6 (and barely able to read) seem to have an awful lot of knowledge of the outside world.
I did find some parts of the book a bit slow, especially the endless hiking through snowy landscapes, although the cold and bleakness were very atmospheric. It's a pity that almost every adult Gabe and Mags met was downright evil, or had ulterior motives for helping them.
The book is mostly very well-written and error free, except the author (in common with many others!) does not appreciate the difference between 'bring' and 'take', so uses 'bring' almost exclusively: "Bring them to the doctor" - no, the doctor isn't here so you need to move them away from here so it's "take them to the doctor". Remember - Bring here; Take away.
Despite that ongoing irritation, I am looking forward to reading Lightning Child, part 3 of the trilogy.
I did find some parts of the book a bit slow, especially the endless hiking through snowy landscapes, although the cold and bleakness were very atmospheric. It's a pity that almost every adult Gabe and Mags met was downright evil, or had ulterior motives for helping them.
The book is mostly very well-written and error free, except the author (in common with many others!) does not appreciate the difference between 'bring' and 'take', so uses 'bring' almost exclusively: "Bring them to the doctor" - no, the doctor isn't here so you need to move them away from here so it's "take them to the doctor". Remember - Bring here; Take away.
Despite that ongoing irritation, I am looking forward to reading Lightning Child, part 3 of the trilogy.
February 4, 2017
This is an eloquent first person continuation of where AMONG WOLVES left off. There is a maturity to the voice of the book that can only come from the circumstances of the previous book. I thought Gabriel was speaking in a very lonely voice before, but now, in a lot of instances, he is more alone than ever. Alone and desperate and without a single person to trust.
Despite those things, Gabriel never seems to lose his Zen-like approach to recounting of events, even though those events seem far more dire than before.
At my mid-way point in reading I left a note saying something like, you know what to expect from a monster; it's the people to can never trust. As I read on, I discovered that another idiom applies to story -- while perfectly overlaying the previous sentiment -- in that nothing ever clear cut, black and white.
Wonderfully written! I'm eagerly awaiting LIGHTNING CHILD.
Despite those things, Gabriel never seems to lose his Zen-like approach to recounting of events, even though those events seem far more dire than before.
At my mid-way point in reading I left a note saying something like, you know what to expect from a monster; it's the people to can never trust. As I read on, I discovered that another idiom applies to story -- while perfectly overlaying the previous sentiment -- in that nothing ever clear cut, black and white.
Wonderfully written! I'm eagerly awaiting LIGHTNING CHILD.
February 4, 2017
Will read Book 3
Entertaining enough. But the main characters knew a lot about a world they had never lived in, and the dialogue of the teenagers was way beyond their years. However, the storyline was interesting and well developed. Read this If you like post-apocalyptic stories.
Entertaining enough. But the main characters knew a lot about a world they had never lived in, and the dialogue of the teenagers was way beyond their years. However, the storyline was interesting and well developed. Read this If you like post-apocalyptic stories.
October 26, 2016
2nd in a post-apocalyptic series: first-person, pretty imaginatively cross-genre world-building
September 21, 2018
4.5 stars
I found this book almost as compelling as the first ~ although a continuing story, it's a different chapter, as protagonist Gabriel and his friend Mags set off in search for a haven safe from those who threaten their group, and come across some who they trust, at first, later to find out that not all of them have their best interests at heart. The sense of bleakness, of cold and silence, is so well done all the way through.
As with the first book, I applauded the structure of this book ~ it starts with Gabriel trying to get out of the pickle in which he has found himself, then goes back ten days to show how he got there. Running alongside is the associated story of a boy kept imprisoned; the way in which this gradually intertwines with the main story works so well. I loved the building of suspense, and the hints of danger to come.
One thing I was not so sure about, in this book, was the way in which Gabriel seemed to know so much about how the world was before the fall, given that he was six at the time and had received little formal education, learning things only by conversation, and reading novels and the odd scrap of old newspaper. It didn't bother me a great deal, and I was able to suspend any disbelief most of the time, but I felt that the author had sometimes forgotten that he was writing from the POV of a seventeen year old boy who had lived a very insular life for the past ten years. But the end was full of the unexpected, I really enjoyed the book and will certainly be reading the next one ~ which is what matters!
I found this book almost as compelling as the first ~ although a continuing story, it's a different chapter, as protagonist Gabriel and his friend Mags set off in search for a haven safe from those who threaten their group, and come across some who they trust, at first, later to find out that not all of them have their best interests at heart. The sense of bleakness, of cold and silence, is so well done all the way through.
As with the first book, I applauded the structure of this book ~ it starts with Gabriel trying to get out of the pickle in which he has found himself, then goes back ten days to show how he got there. Running alongside is the associated story of a boy kept imprisoned; the way in which this gradually intertwines with the main story works so well. I loved the building of suspense, and the hints of danger to come.
One thing I was not so sure about, in this book, was the way in which Gabriel seemed to know so much about how the world was before the fall, given that he was six at the time and had received little formal education, learning things only by conversation, and reading novels and the odd scrap of old newspaper. It didn't bother me a great deal, and I was able to suspend any disbelief most of the time, but I felt that the author had sometimes forgotten that he was writing from the POV of a seventeen year old boy who had lived a very insular life for the past ten years. But the end was full of the unexpected, I really enjoyed the book and will certainly be reading the next one ~ which is what matters!
September 25, 2018
I immediately started reading book 2 (The Devil You Know) when I finished book 1 of "Children of the Mountain". This book started off where the other ended, which I liked. The story started a little slower, but did get back into the action I was used to from the first book. Again, there are some assumptions and things that happen which if I were reading for 100% scientific accuracy I might question. However, when i read a book it is for enjoyment. I work in technology and have enough of that in my day to day. This book does exactly what I want in a book....tells a good story and is written in such a way as to keep me interested and looking forward to the next page such that I do find it hard to put down at times.
I am about to start book 3 and am looking forward to seeing how the story progresses. Great job R.A. Hakok. Keep up the writing as you are someone I enjoy reading.
I am about to start book 3 and am looking forward to seeing how the story progresses. Great job R.A. Hakok. Keep up the writing as you are someone I enjoy reading.
December 4, 2017
Very clever , well thought out sequel
I read the first book quickly , and was engrossed , it certainly left me hungry for more ! I would say it would be an advantage to read book one in order to follow book two. I was very curious to find out the fate of the characters , and in the course of reading book two , I wasn't disappointed . The book took on a sinister but very believable plot , which kept me feeling the vulnerability of the young characters .
I kept waking up during the night and turning the kindle on , as I wanted to find out what was going to happen next !I eagerly await book 3
I read the first book quickly , and was engrossed , it certainly left me hungry for more ! I would say it would be an advantage to read book one in order to follow book two. I was very curious to find out the fate of the characters , and in the course of reading book two , I wasn't disappointed . The book took on a sinister but very believable plot , which kept me feeling the vulnerability of the young characters .
I kept waking up during the night and turning the kindle on , as I wanted to find out what was going to happen next !I eagerly await book 3
June 6, 2019
Very bleak. Drags a bit when they are on the road – but that also seems reasonably appropriate to the story. Still enjoyed it. (Might have enjoyed it even more/found it to drag less if I had bothered to look at the map, as a fair amount of time is spent explaining routes, which I really couldn't follow without a map. The link is provided – as is a link to Gabe's newspaper cuttings. I really should have looked at the earlier!) This second book provided some new revelations about what happened – along with some very interesting new happenings. Although I did not enjoy this book quite as much as the first in the series, I still look forward to the third book.
April 4, 2019
A loss for words
The second book in this series doesn’t leave the reader wanting. There’s a long list of thrills and chills that I will not spoil. I have to say the reader narrows his net and drives home the hardships for his characters. Looking back at the consequences the main character must endure to survive makes it an acceptable read. Kudos to the the author on his timely tale. I’d recommend this book to any apocalypse novel enthusiast.
J.l. Perrigo author of Good Intentions
The second book in this series doesn’t leave the reader wanting. There’s a long list of thrills and chills that I will not spoil. I have to say the reader narrows his net and drives home the hardships for his characters. Looking back at the consequences the main character must endure to survive makes it an acceptable read. Kudos to the the author on his timely tale. I’d recommend this book to any apocalypse novel enthusiast.
J.l. Perrigo author of Good Intentions
January 21, 2021
Awesome!
I had the first book of this series in my library for awhile. I had opened it accidentally one day and the first paragraph grabbed me right off the bat. I ended up reading it instead of the book I was going to read...it did not disappoint...and neither does this one. Action packed, filled with twists and turns, characters you care about. Love the first person narrative. I'm ordering the next one right now!
I had the first book of this series in my library for awhile. I had opened it accidentally one day and the first paragraph grabbed me right off the bat. I ended up reading it instead of the book I was going to read...it did not disappoint...and neither does this one. Action packed, filled with twists and turns, characters you care about. Love the first person narrative. I'm ordering the next one right now!
January 14, 2019
Solid Actioner, Really Holds Your Interest.
Okay, book 2, this dude has some impressive writing chops. As in some other post-apoc series the books seem to take on a kind of "western" aura: plucky band of pioneers fight against nature and savages to build their own little house on the prairie
Okay, book 2, this dude has some impressive writing chops. As in some other post-apoc series the books seem to take on a kind of "western" aura: plucky band of pioneers fight against nature and savages to build their own little house on the prairie
December 15, 2019
Trust, Luck, and Other Issues
I enjoyed the first two books of this series very much. Teens are faced with bad men, murderous creatures, a devious doctor, and a climate straight out of Antartica. Their chances of survival are small and their determination to make the right decisions is admirable. I look forward to reading the rest of this post-apocalyptic adventure!
I enjoyed the first two books of this series very much. Teens are faced with bad men, murderous creatures, a devious doctor, and a climate straight out of Antartica. Their chances of survival are small and their determination to make the right decisions is admirable. I look forward to reading the rest of this post-apocalyptic adventure!
October 18, 2021
4* for the fact that it’s an indie author… but the grammatical errors are heavy in this book. He really needs some beta readers and a better editor or proofreader. I don’t know what it takes to write books, okay! I just know of this story had a little more attention it works so well. I tried to move on to two other books and realized I just wanted to know what the heck Gabe is doing now!
August 22, 2017
Devil beside, inside, and around us!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the one prior to it. The more I think about it the more I see symbolism about the evils of society and our own internal moral compass. Don't worry plenty of action and adventure as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the one prior to it. The more I think about it the more I see symbolism about the evils of society and our own internal moral compass. Don't worry plenty of action and adventure as well.
November 13, 2017
I love this series! Two things I liked right from the beginning of this one: an available recap of book #1 and a reference to A Prayer for Owen Meany (one of my faves!)
Let me go add to our stash of apocalypse supplies!
Let me go add to our stash of apocalypse supplies!
October 11, 2018
Great follow up
Great follow up to the first book! New characters, suspense, and this I did but expect. Don't want to give anything away.... So to recap, if you haven't read the first book. Do it now. Okay now onto the third one.
Great follow up to the first book! New characters, suspense, and this I did but expect. Don't want to give anything away.... So to recap, if you haven't read the first book. Do it now. Okay now onto the third one.
January 31, 2019
Great. Apocalypse story
Good story line with enough twists and turns to keep you reading. Nice character building. I felt invested in them, started caring what happened to them. Good. Description of the snow and the bitter cold.
Good story line with enough twists and turns to keep you reading. Nice character building. I felt invested in them, started caring what happened to them. Good. Description of the snow and the bitter cold.
October 26, 2020
Very good read...original
I really enjoy this series and have the 3d book purchased and ready to go.I love the little hints into what is coming and the subtle intro to the next book. I would give 5 stars but the descriptions of the cold & snow etc. is a little repetitive.
I really enjoy this series and have the 3d book purchased and ready to go.I love the little hints into what is coming and the subtle intro to the next book. I would give 5 stars but the descriptions of the cold & snow etc. is a little repetitive.
February 7, 2017
This book was good. Not as good as the first, but good. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
March 5, 2017
Loved the vivid descriptions of freezing cold weather conditions - made me a cup of tea afterwards to warm up :)
June 28, 2017
Good read
I enjoyed the ride
Intriguing
Not what I expected which is why I enjoyed it so
Look forward to the rest of the series
I enjoyed the ride
Intriguing
Not what I expected which is why I enjoyed it so
Look forward to the rest of the series
May 5, 2018
I was completely hooked with book 1, "Among Wolves", and so often book 2 in a series just can't sustain the momentum... this does not happen in "The Devil You Know". This disturbing sequel has some new places, new drama and plenty of fresh evil for our Gabe and Mags and it's a page turner. I love this series and can't recommend it more highly.
July 1, 2018
Totally addicted!
July 6, 2018
Enjoyable read
Liked the story line and the people in it. Find a comfy chair and enjoy yourself. Get all 3 books so you don't have to pause the sorry.😊
Liked the story line and the people in it. Find a comfy chair and enjoy yourself. Get all 3 books so you don't have to pause the sorry.😊
August 26, 2018
Second in series, at times slow to develop, but interesting.
October 8, 2018
For some odd reason, I love dystopian fiction. This book is a quick read and held my interest throughout it. Be sure to read the series in sequence to get the most of the story line.
December 11, 2018
Highly recommended!!!!
Great story, great characters, keeps me reading when I should be doing other things. I already bought the next book, hope they keep coming!!!
Great story, great characters, keeps me reading when I should be doing other things. I already bought the next book, hope they keep coming!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews