Devil Went Down

Just read the first eight chapters -witty and entertaining and addicting! One of the most fascinating and original plot ideas I've seen, at first reminding me of C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters but unexpectedly taking a different turn.
Good character development and tension between characters! I'll be back to read more when I have time.

I can't choose what to bump off of my book list! This is definitely going to be the next one up. =) Your story is superb, your characters are diverse and engaging. even the poor little student suffering from supressed homosexuality was well written. =) I can't star this book enough, and I can't wait to read it in print.

I could not stop thinking about this book! I really enjoyed it, when it gets published I will run right out and buy it!

Wow, I am through chapter 12 and don't want to put this down. I honestly can't find anything major to critique. There may be a few typos, but I'm sure I skipped right over them. Your characters are so well developed. I enjoy Damian's inner turmoil and how he truly is falling for Emma, despite his assertions that he is void of emotion. The first line and first paragraph are excellent, and Damian's blunders as he tries to get Emma interested are comical. Even his demonic tendencies are almost endearing, because you've let us become attached to him before letting his darker side really show through. I'm off to finish reading this, and it will be on my shelf soon.

I meant to just read a few chapters and make a decision, but you had me hooked! I've just spent three hours reading the whole thing! This is excellent, I love the premise, your use of scripture, the whole thing is absolutely brilliant! I look forward to reading the next installment, good luck to you!

Laura

The Acorn's Crown

I'm here to return the read of my book, Shadow Jumper. Sorry it's taken a little longer than anticipated. This is an exciting story and I really enjoyed reading the first two chapters. I actually have no criticisms of the way it is written, I think you have done a good job. Damian is a believable, well-drawn character. He's nasty but in a sympathetic way (at the moment anyway!). I'm still a little unsure as to what he is up to, which inclines me to want to read on and find out more. And Emma clearly is going to test his resolve to carry out his job. really good stuff. I shall place on my WL to read more. If I can on enjoying it, I may put it on my shelf.
All the best with it.
Julia
Shadow Jumper

Just read the first eight chapters -witty and entertaining and addicting! One of the most fascinating and original plot ideas I've seen, at first reminding me of C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters but unexpectedly taking a different turn.
Good character development and tension between characters! I'll be back to read more when I have time.

Your short pitch is fab

DEVIL WENT DOWN
This is an interesting story. You have a good main character in Damian; I like the way he’s laid back but not totally agreeable. Your writing style seems just right for this. It’s clean and smooth and keeps the story flowing. Gives your reader an inside look at the Devi’s doings. If I had a suggestion it would be to explain a little earlier exactly who Damian is and what he does. Let your reader be in on things from the start. Either way, tho, this is a good read. Highly starred and added to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

sorry, i did not realize that this would have christian references, i do not read anything with christian, pornographic, child abuse or gay references.

i thank you for trying to read mine, but the opening on this page immediately turned me away.

maradjen

Devil's Went Down earned its title. I enjoyed following your characters: Damian, Emma and Uncle Lou

Hi SW,
returning your read of Mr Unusually's Circus of Dreams, thanks again for that!
This is sharp, stylish and sexy. The writing is very slick. I love Damian, he's like James Bond, only more fun!

I particularly love the bit where he arrives at his new apartment and is sizing it up, "this chick Emma was toast" is wonderful. I can really picture all the bachelor pad luxury of it all. Wonderful. So wonderful in fact I thought maybe you should start with that and get the backstory at the beginning of chp1 in a little later. The phone call & discussion at the start didn't work as well for me. Damian's character came through so well as he was looking around the apartment, thought it would be a great beginning. But hey, what do I know???

You have brilliantly inventive ideas and this is unique and sassy. I love it.
Six stars from me.
Sharda.

I've just finished the book and I can say that I enjoyed it no end. Quite an engaging story. I was quite intrigued with the characters and like resulting finish with Damien and Emma. Highly enjoyable read.

Would like to add by the way that I was pleasantly surprised that from the very outset I assumed Damian to be a hitman in the earlier parts and later found him to be a FAR more sinister individual altogether. yummy!....truly delicious.

cannot fault this story in any way and would highly recommend it to anyone. shelved.

S.W.,
What a mission - being sent to seduce a beautiful woman, fringe benefits understood. Your dialogue is polished with a naturalness that glows, your narrative using the first person POV straightforward, unaffected and easy to follow. The story moves at a brisk pace mainly because of the sense of immediacy conveyed by your structure around dialogue. A winner worthy of depiction on film. Thank you so much for the entertaining read.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

Is that now on my shelf?...still struggling. newbie..

I can't choose what to bump off of my book list! This is definitely going to be the next one up. =) Your story is superb, your characters are diverse and engaging. even the poor little student suffering from supressed homosexuality was well written. =) I can't star this book enough, and I can't wait to read it in print.

Great chapter and I feel the world a lot better you are trying to create. I like the use of "Damian" from obvious "Omen" influence. You built up the initial encounter well and change the direction and location of his predatory hunt. Other than maybe a little more of a description of Uncle Lou in passing or how he tortures Damian Capello physically and psychologically might bring a little extra. Great job with the flow in this chapter.

It's got a feel like "Midnight In The Garden Of Good An Evil" with a few hints of "Angel Heart". Now I'm getting the Savannah memories flowing again at Congress Street Station. Your dialogue and writing are crisp and sharp. You might want to bring a little weather like the balmy humidity of Savannah or those afternoon heat rain storms. This is a good concept and I shall read on and provide further review. Good job so far.

Hi!

First off, really interesting premise! I'd read on.

You definitely don't need the first two opening paragraphs, although you could probably keep the first sentence, since it's such a great hook. Also, don't dress up your language too much; instead of 'the vibrations originating in my pocket', it's much clearer to say 'ignoring my phone'. Saying that, however, I really enjoyed your descriptions of the setting. You use a lot of strong imagery.

I also really like the dialogue you swing back and forth between the two characters.

With a bit of polishing, I'd definitely buy this book. Although there are flaws, you have such great characters that it's easier to overlook them.

Backed! Hope this helps!

Georgia

This is a fantastic read. The concept is interesting and original, the characters well thought out and engaging and the action is well paced. Up to chapter 7 and well hooked; will keep reading, but in the meantime, 6 stars and backed from me!

Best of luck.

Oktober

Hey hey!
Making my way further up your chapters. The decease - brilliant! This gives her an interest besides his reaction to her touch, and she's a housekeeper to boot. Very nice touch that she figured out the apartment hadn't been lived in for long, I would've been skeptical if that hadn't come across to her. I see you're throwing in complications, and again, I'm enjoying the humor - it's pulling me along nicely, and although I'm not a romance reader, this is definitely getting my attention. I love the messages on the screens etc, and I think the book could be served better if you drop more otherworldly nuisances into the mix, something more hellish, his apartment for example could be an interesting thing to see - I kind of want strange things to be there, signs of his profession, though of course, they'd be well disguised if he's so experienced. Your dialogue always appeared rightly placed and interesting to me, so I have no further comments about it, just that it doesn't disappoint. Well done, hon! I'll keep reading more, and will let you know my thoughts as I go along.

Elena - "Oko"

I could not stop thinking about this book! I really enjoyed it, when it gets published I will run right out and buy it!

Wow! I just spent my whole Saturday standing over my laptop in my kitchen reading this book! Incredible! A few very minor typos but a great riveting story! I loved it! Thanks!

I am just finishing up chapter 5. The writing is very well done, the story has me engaged! I think there might me a typo - it says "take a left up here o Victory" I think maybe it is supposed to be 'on'. I am looking forward t reading more!

Hi! Thank you for reading Shudder; here I am to finally return the read.

This is exactly my kind of story! I envy the flow of your narrative. It's something I'm always aware of and striving for in my own writing. It's obvious that Damian is not a good guy, but the reader can't help taking an interest in him, movie-star good looks and expensive designer clothes included! You have a compelling beginning here, and coupled with the fact that I love these types of books, I'm adding this to my shelf.

I'm looking forward to reading more soon. =)

Ash

Will take time to read this book over the weekend. It looks very entertaining.

Ok I've only read the first three chapters and already I see this on the big screen! What an absolutely refreshing story. I couldn't find a single fault. Don't get me wrong, but you read so much about God, religion it's great to see the other side of the coin. I've given this high stars and WL for further reading. Brilliant!
Regards, Red
Illusions of Comfort

Wow, I am through chapter 12 and don't want to put this down. I honestly can't find anything major to critique. There may be a few typos, but I'm sure I skipped right over them. Your characters are so well developed. I enjoy Damian's inner turmoil and how he truly is falling for Emma, despite his assertions that he is void of emotion. The first line and first paragraph are excellent, and Damian's blunders as he tries to get Emma interested are comical. Even his demonic tendencies are almost endearing, because you've let us become attached to him before letting his darker side really show through. I'm off to finish reading this, and it will be on my shelf soon.

love the book arnold

Fantastic first chapter. Definitely want to read more.
Paul

I meant to just read a few chapters and make a decision, but you had me hooked! I've just spent three hours reading the whole thing! This is excellent, I love the premise, your use of scripture, the whole thing is absolutely brilliant! I look forward to reading the next installment, good luck to you!

Laura

The Acorn's Crown

Backing this immediately!!! I was hooked immediately. This is totally my kind of book, but beyond that, it's superbly written with a clever and original premise and I'm already in love with it. Love the characters, love the development, really appreciate the tone and pace. Really superb!!!

Bre
Memoria

Backing this immediately!!! I was hooked immediately. This is totally my kind of book, but beyond that, it's superbly written with a clever and original premise and I'm already in love with it. Love the characters, love the development, really appreciate the tone and pace. Really superb!!!

Bre
Memoria

Your book was recommended by CC Brown, author of Dark Side. After reading the first 2 chapters, I happily put it on my shelf. Good luck.
Sue50

Am 6 Chapters in so far and really enjoying this. I'm really late with my return read - and I am sorry, annoyingly, if I had known this was so good - I would have read sooner!
Definitely intrigued, definitely loving Damian and "Uncle Lou," but it;s Emma I really love. She's identifiable to a lot of young girls, but she has the added "vulnerability" (not sure if that's the right word) of diabetes.

Writing is smooth, really easy to read and I'm definitely drawn to read more.

Will be back!

But for now, I have backed and will continue to do so. 6 stars.

I read through Devil Went Down all in one sitting until it was two in the morning. It has such a great narrative flow and it kept pulling me into it more and more. I love the atmosphere -- the way that you portray it is like I can feel the Southern heat. And some of your details are just so spot on that they had me laughing. I loved in the prologue how the devil replies "I was in the neighborhood." And then when Lou talks to Damian on the TV farther into the book how Damian notices his oversized nose hair. The voice of God too I found funny. He wasn't stuffy, but sarcastic.

I tend to be hesitant to read books with biblical ideas, but I didn't have any of that hesitance with your book. The character of Gran was hilarious. And even Charlie Grace who I was prepared to hate for Damian's sake made me think twice. I liked him too. Still, I guess the one thing that bothered me was that Logan sold out Damian so easily. And Emma Clare wasn't that mad about it. I mean she sold out her friend's boyfriend. Still, the story kept drawing me in and Damian transformed from such a creep. You wrote his transformation so well.

And the chapter at the end really had me questioning for the sequel. Will Emma Clare be the woman enthroned in light? That was my first impression, but who knows. Great work! I really enjoyed reading it.

Backed and star rated the Devil Went Down. Loved the Good vs. Evil theme. Damain was the prefect “bad boy” and Emma the “good girl.” We got so into the story, didn’t notice mechanical errors. Great job: smooth writing, excellent work with character development, and good grip on writing dialogue. Hope you will find time to take a look at our book, Dark Side.
CC Brown

Thank You for posting the rest of Devil went down. I love it when writers post the entire story- it is so nice to get to see the ending. It was a little odd the the Epilogue centered on Damian and Gran instead of Emma.
Loved the opening sentence of Hell Came Running- a real attention getter. Looks like it is going to be a promising sequel. Desi.

This really good work, interesting plot and nice character voice, love the character Damian. The subtle transition that takes place at the end of chapter 14 is nice. The intensity builds from each chapter. Keep writing. Need more!

I always thought he book of Job would make a fantastic modern fiction and if he first two chapters are any indication you have proven it in spades. I love your voice, the way you write is captivating. I can't wait to see what kind of trouble your characters can bring. Thanks for the great read. Many stars to you!

Great plot, you explained what your book is about in such detail, I loved it.
Thanks,
Scott

Haven't had time to really get in to it, but I like the writing style. There isn't enough time to read all the books I would like, but this has made the list.

Haven't had time to really get in to it, but I like the writing style. There isn't enough time to read all the books I would like, but this has made the list.

Interesting story, nicely constructed. Good use of words and nicely constructed. I give this four stars.

Graham

Devil Went Down -- S. W. – Your pitch is fantastic, and I’m inclined to read just because of that much. Refreshingly new twist to a story. I like it.

Read first two chapters so far. Will read on. Very intriguing how this will all work out. Curious. ;)

Well written. You did an excellent job with this. Damien is a likeable character, despite his job. I don't know if I haven't read it right, but I am a little confused on if he is an paid assassin of sorts or if he is just a life ruiner. This might become more clear as I read on, but might be important to note if it is supposed to be clear by now by chapter 2. Lou is an interesting character too, devilish man, who has Damien wrapped around his finger. I've liked what I have read so far. There are even hints that the emotionless Damien, actually feels remorse, but will it be too little too late? This keeps me wanting to read on.
Nice work. highly starred.
-Christian Rogue (Beastia)

I just wanna pop by as I have said I would. I gotta say, I am hooked from the very first chapter! But as time is against me(it's early in the morning now), I have to hit the sack and get back to this tomorrow. I love your writing style. It has humour and wit. Keep up the good work!

Also, one thing I forgot to mention. In the beginning, Emma at first was really shy, then as the story progressed, her actions didn't equate with someone who is shy. I felt like, she of a sudden, became this more aggressive savvy college girl. In reality, someone shy (and a virgin not schooled in romance) would let the guy make all of the moves, (kissing, touching, and never would a shy person's actions be the first to make a more intimate move she made in his apartment or the first kiss) and someone who is shy wouldn't normally have the come-backs she had in her dialogue. I think you nailed the guy character and his personality was more true - his thoughts and dialogue. But Emma's character felt a bit off. Hope this helps - I still think the writing was great! ~Kady Colter, Shakespeare's Pink Cadillac

Well written and drew me in. Kept reading because I was wondering if this was another vampire story and I don't care for vampire stories, but yet it felt different because of the God connection and Job references. A different spin? Not sure where it was going and I kept feeling like I was reading about the angst the main character from the Twilight Series was feeling about his true love. Anyway, read through chapter 16 and there was a problem with Chapter 17 so couldn't read it. Because I don't care for vampire stories :) I would want to finish reading the book before backing it.

A few nits:

I think it was in Chapter 4 you had her head being "titled" and I think you meant "tilted"

Believe in Chapter 7 you said "shotty" and I think you might mean "shoddy."

Chapter 16 ..."of the couch..." should be "off" the couch.

Other than those minor nits, enjoyed the writing and see this as publishable. Good luck and I've high starred you!

~Kady Colter
Shakespeare's Pink Cadillac

Sheri,

I love the premise of your book - no one‘s beyond forgiveness. It‘s such an important message to get across. I also liked the tropical setting and mood you create as you intro the self-absorbed Damian. Then the pace picks up, moving the reader forward to Georgia. The story was really engaging, but I felt by the time I read to chapter four I was wanting a little more information on Emma Clare’s side of the story. I was ready to find out who she really was, why she would be targeted by a Casanova with horns (whose character, by the way, you have done a wonderful job sketching), and whether or not I should even care about her.

The couple hints we did have of Emma’s character, showed her as shy and wary of strangers. Since Emma seemed so skeptical of the womanizer with the crooked smile at the coffee shop, (obviously, she’s not dumb or naïve) would she really drive him, a total stranger, to a sandwich shop? If she is anything like I was when I was in college, (I was the shy, wary of the schmoozer type) I have a certain degree of doubt that she would venture into a shoulder to shoulder (not to mention, risky) car ride with someone who thought too much of themselves. (Actually, at a very naïve 16 sixteen years of age, I did that ONCE. I drove a very strong 15 year old sophomore home from band practice, ‘cause (sob) he needed a ride. Learned my lesson the hard way…) I guess I’d just like to see a bit more of Emma’s sweet soul so I can really feel for her and be convinced that she has the goodness it takes to reach a devil. And somehow Damian’s going to have to become like-minded if he really wants to win her confidence - maybe help her wipe up that original coffee spill. Just my opinion…

Your writing is smooth and you do a wonderful job with the picking and placement of the “right” words. The paranormal side keeps me guessing. Is Damian the devil or human? Hmmm… I think you are doing a great job with this, Sheri. Highly starred.

Dianna Lanser
Nothing But The Blood

This is really promising! Having read only the first couple of chapters I am very intrigued! I Love the pace and the mystery of the story, that keeps you hooked! - I do however wish that the appearance of the characters was explored in more depth, but that is my personal opinion, and might not be shared. Furthermore, I really didn't enjoy the prologue, i felt that it took away from the start of the first chapter as I was still pondering the relevance and the meaning when i started to read - nearly made me go off the book. But i'm so glad i continued! Overall a great read that I will come back to again! It is hereby backed.

I wish you the best of luck in the future.

I really Like this story and only wish I could do proper comments, breaking things down in paragraphs etc. etc. but all I can say is that it is fantastic and I would like to read more. Haven't read it all as have a few to get through as a return read, but I am glad it is as I may have missed it.

Thanks

Stephen

The Storm Chronicles

This is a cleverly put together concept with true merit. I love the choice of names you’ve given the characters, they are so appropriate. The modern day Lucifer as Lou works really well. There are Lou’s in our times who use others like their ‘puppets’ manipulating them and those ‘puppets’ dance merily to their every tune. You have the foundations firmly erected for potentially a good book. Good Luck and well done.

I’m not sure what happened, but I could not read Page 17 as it said ‘Sorry, and error has occurred while loading this chapter text.’ So, the story ended prematurely for me. Good easy read, I can’t wait for the final product.

your book was suggested to me by MrKarats and it appealed to me. Good luck with it! On my shelf for the long run..

This is a fun read. Like one of your other commenters, I was a bit disconcerted by your opening and, as it happens, the first sentence in Ch3 (4 on Auth). I liked the mobile phone reappearing in Damian's pocket (good name BTW) but I'd suggest things don't 'float' to the bottom - they sink. I could mention a few other small things but all in all, when you hit your stride the story flows very easily.

I have to say the incident where Damian spills his coffee to meet Emily went flying over my head. Maybe it's just me but I missed the point completely. I re-read it several times to try to work out what affected her, without success.

Best of luck with it.