The Devils

The Devils

Incidentally, we do have a history, Joe and me. In 2024, I had the honor of meeting him at the London Book Fair and as it usually happens with people whose work I admire, I was quite nervous. But I needn’t have worried. Joe is a great guy, we chatted about his aspiring writer beginnings, and conversely, how nervous he was when he got to work with Steven Pacey, who is among the greatest audiobook narrators today. To be able to hear your words in a professionally done audio production is another milestone for almost any writer. And man, did Joe win the lottery here.

Coincidence? Luck?

Joe is a fruitful author, who forges his way through the fantasy genre like a bulldozer: one trilogy after another. And not only does he not bore his readers, he also manages to continuously surprise them. The question is, does The Devils follow the same trend?

Undoubtedly.

A vampire, a werewolf, and a necromancer walk into a church . . . I might have played with the words to fit this classical joke, but the truth is, these exact characters and more await you on the pages of The Devils. Medieval Europe bleeds as the stuffy air vibrates with the stomping of mercenaries, warhorses’ hooves, and mutant paws. And among the shadows creep elves whose goal is to devour anyone and everyone they meet. Or so they say. . . All that while a story about power-hungry crooks is playing out in the background. Insane, cruel, and utterly enjoyable. You devour page after page as Joe fully takes advantage of his strongest writing suit: the characters. Unpredictable, but surprisingly believable characters, who reflect human nature to such a degree that it makes you queasy. Their dialogues are the alpha and omega of the entire book, reminding you of a McDonagh drama.

“When you’re headed through hell, you need THE DEVILS on your side.”

The Devils

Abercrombie Joe

AngličtinaMěkká vazba

Orion Publishing Co

ISBN: 9781399603577

Skladem 6 pc

Předpokládané dodání v úterý, 27. května 2025

CZK 412

Common price: CZK 458

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Skladem 6 pc

Předpokládané dodání v úterý, 27. května 2025

CZK 412

CZK 458 -10%

So what’s going on then? The task of our heroes is simple: transfer a thief, who just happens to be the heir to the Troy kingdom (but no one knows it yet) to the place of destination – the throne. Then pocket the reward and go off to set a new world order. And so, our group of outcasts sets off on a journey through Europe. But they soon find out they are not the only ones pining for the throne. Their journey is full of brutal clashes in abandoned taverns, chases on horseback, and conflicts on barges on the wide roaring sea, inhabited by the most terrifying monsters. Our heroes find refuge around the fire where they learn perhaps more than they would like about each other. We get to follow all this from the perspective of all present: necromancers, wizards (beg your pardon, magicians), vampires, werewolves, and immortals. But the most lasting impact comes from the tale of the newly-found princess and the priest Diaz, who is desperately trying to hold onto his teachings in face of the hell itself.

You’ll love these chums in crime.

And you’ll also be worried sick in their most intense moments, turning pages with such anticipation that it’ll crack the spine (the book’s, not yours). You’ll cheer them on, because getting to know them reminds you of Forrest Gump’s box of chocolate. Would you like a dark chocolate, sweet praline, or a delicious blend of buttercream and nuts, with just the right amount of shell?

The book rises and falls with all its characters and their arcs that constantly balance on the edge of death. It’s a crazy ride through a merciless world and if you stop you can count on getting stabbed in the back. The atmosphere is dark, for sure, but not depressing – because it wouldn’t be Joe without a pinch of humor. The book builds on prejudices and maybe that’s the reason there are so many quirky creatures, mutants, and hybrids. Viga, the werewolf, fights battles with herself in a Jekyll and Hyde kind of predicament. The combination of the magician’s unfulfillment and a sky-high ego threatens explosion. I could go on and on. Another reason why I cannot wait to get my hands, well ears, on the audiobook narrated by Steven Pacey.

The only blemish on my experience with the Devils is the fact that I read an advanced copy, hence I cannot offer you quotations of any of the passages that I loved. But it’s just as well as there were too many to choose from, anyway. What I can tell you is that the story consists of many chapters and parts of various lengths, some of which would work as standalone stories. Some even reminded me of the masterly chapter It was bad from A Little Hatred, which depicts the bitter aftertaste of war in one simple sentence from a husband coming back home, where, instead of well-deserved rest, more battles await him.

So Joe: “It was not bad at all!”