So, the million dollar question is will I read Soulstice when it comes out? I am tempted to The Devouring is a fascinating book and a quick and engaging read. This book works well as a stand alone book although Eben mentions that the Vours are just the tip of the evil iceberg. The story was a good one and was tightly put together and well thought out.

I was also surprised that the book was very scary without being excessively gorey. There was some swearing in the book, but it was pretty mild. If you really enjoy all the gossiping and angsting that is included in some young adult books like this you might be disappointed. This is a book that focuses less on high-school life and more on the unusual events in Reggie’s life which I enjoyed. The book was fast-paced and I couldn’t put it down. I really liked Reggie and Eben, the bookstore owner. The idea of the people you love and trust becoming evil incarnate overnight is very Exorcist and totally creeped me out. The characters were likeable and engaging. Also if you have any type of fear of spiders I would steer clear of this book. Although fans of classic horror get their due too with the appearance of an ax wielding clown, refreshements laid out in open rib cages, and people buried alive. The horror aspect in this book is more around the magical/psychological type of horror.

For those who revel in all things horror you will be delighted. Well for the other woosies like me out there, beware, this is a scary book. In other book reviews I have mentioned that I don’t like scary things be they books, movies, or haunted houses. They are disappointed that nothing happens but Reggie’s little brother is not so lucky he has been a scared little boy since their mother left and the Vours find him easy pickings. In an effort to scare themselves silly Reggie and Aaron try to tempt the Vours to take over them by daring each other to face their worst fears on Winter Solstice. The Vours can only enter the minds of people who are truly afraid. The journal talks about Vours, evil entities that can take over your soul during winter soulstice. Reggie finds an old journal at the horror bookstore she works at. I wasn’t able to find how many books are planned for this series so if anyone knows speak up! The 2nd book “Soulstice” is coming out in September ’09. This is the first book in a series by Simon Holt.

Soulstice by Simon Holt