Review: The DeVouring by Simon Holt

I had high hopes and expectations for this book, and it did not disappoint. From the first page, I was captivated by the rich characterization and plot.

The novel begins with a journal entry which details a woman's memory in which, as a child, she witnessed her older brother's possession by demons called the Vours, who feed on and delight in the fears of mortals. From there, it's understood that the journal is read by two teenagers who enjoy reading horror novels and tales of true crime. Of course, they dismiss the reality of the Vours, believing that they writer of the journal is nothing more than a madwoman. Of course, events are quick to conspire to reveal that the Vours are far more real than they bargained for.

Throughout the story, the characters are well-developed and believable. Reggie, short for Regina and the main character, is in a very difficult position without the Vours: she is responsible for mothering her younger brother during a time in her life when she needs her mother the most. Once the Vours are involved, however, she is forced to race against the clock and against the power of her own fear - not to mention the Vour-possessed humans - to save her brother from the demon possessing him. In a way, there are a few similarities, regarding theme, to the movie The Labyrinth, though much more sinister and with much more at stake.

The supporting cast of characters and even the Vours are also amazingly well-portrayed. Unlike other demon-related fiction, the Vours have a tangible weakness that has nothing to do with the Catholic church. In this way, they are much more terrible because no one can hide behind a cross or other religious symbol, and I don't expect that Latin or the name of God would make them flinch. They are also much more frightening because of their power over fear and the mind, as well as their lack of hoofed feet.

The end of the book is fraught with danger, the looming threat of death and even worse, as well as many twists and turns. Two characters turn out as more than meets the eye, with only one of them who I mildly expected was hiding something.

On a scale of one (worst) and ten (best), I rate this book as an eight (8). I highly recommend it for anyone interested in supernatural fiction, horror, and the surreal.