This was a brilliant book, which I later found out had two instalments previously, which I am definitely going to read.
It worked well as a standalone however and read like an episode of Supernatural or something, with the story flowing at a fast pace.
The characters were great and I really cared what happened to them, the supernatural element kept my interest and was original and descriptive throughout.
Highly recommend this author and will read more.

This is the third book that chronicles the adventures of Ben McKelvie, biologist Lindsay Clarke and cryptozoologist Richard Severance. This has developed into one of my favorite series, for a few reasons. The characters are well-drawn, with strengths, fears and flaws that make them believable and endearing as they face down challenges that would scare the crap out of anyone. And the scares are plenty in each of these novels- also original and written with a relish and a fervor that made my heart beat faster as I felt as if I was right there with them. As our trio of cryptid hunters venture into Valkommen, a burgeoning stronghold filled with neo-Nazis, criminals and bad seeds of all kinds, they find that Richard's mentor Henry Drexler is its ringleader.

Drexler has been hunting cryptids all his life, and his fanatical obsession with them and the powers of the supernatural have driven him mad, beyond the point of reason. Richard is certain than Drexler is using Valkommen for a horrific purpose, and that soon its evil will be unleashed and spill out into the rest of the world, and they must infiltrate the compound and stop it. As they navigate Drexler's twisted menagerie of evil, the depth of human depravity is on full display.

This could be a great series, and I hope more books are forthcoming. If not, it has been a fun ride. The first book was my favorite, but enjoyed them all. Recommended.

Bigger, better (maybe?) and even more gruesome (definitely), the third and final book in Bill Schweigart’s Fatal Folklore Trilogy is a brilliant conclusion to what has become one of my favorite horror series. I’m really going to miss Ben and Lindsay but I honestly don’t know how Schweigart could possibly top that.

Note: as this is the third book in the series this review contains spoilers for the previous stories. If you haven’t read them go get them now (honestly they are a bargain)

You would think by now that people would know better than to venture into the woods at night particularly when there are rumors of something lurking. However that is just how this story begins. It’s an echo back to the first two books where yet again there is a monster just waiting for someone to come close enough.

After this chilling and slightly gruesome beginning the story slows right back down as we catch up with our group of monster hunters. Ben and Lindsay are trying (and largely failing) to settle back into a semi normal life after the events of the previous book while wealthy cryptozoologist Richard Severence may have found love. Severence discovers however that his old mentor Henry Drexler has appeared in the Jersey Pine Barrons, in a private compound that welcomes all, providing they are Neo Nazi, racist militants.

When Severence begins to suspect that there may be something in the woods around the complex he believes Drexler may have used his research to summon a monster. Ben and Lindsay are sent in undercover to try and figure out what’s really happening.

I absolutely adore the partnership between Ben and Lindsay so having them go undercover as a couple was definitely the highlight of the story for me. It’s not necessarily the most exciting part of the story, and there’s very little in the way of horror if that’s what you’re looking for (although there are some sudden and violent deaths) but honestly I could quite happily read 300 pages of Lindsay and Ben bantering in the pub (can we get that book please Mr Schweigart?).

I did however really enjoy their undercover investigation. There’s something fascinating about cults (which is essentially what it is) and leader Henry Drexler is a wonderfully complex character. Outwardly friendly and approachable and extremely charismatic there’s something very dodgy about him. There are also a number of different factions within the camp which make it difficult to know what to think and there are just enough twists to keep you guessing.

The build up in tension is very gradual but the climax of the story is incredible in its scale. I won’t say too much but if the first book was a neighbourhood, the second a town I think you can guess what comes next. With it being the third and final book you know that there is no character who is safe and I spent most of my time worrying they’d meet their end. One thing you do know for certain is that you can expect the unexpected and the author definitely has some surprises up his sleeve.

The end of the book is absolutely action packed but for me it was actually the earlier parts of the story that worked better. What I love in a horror story is not the gruesome murders, the violence and the blood and gore but the creep factor and it’s the first part that’s by far the creepiest. Once the monster comes out of the dark it’s always a lot less scary.

What always works best for me in this series is the characters. Ben is the every man character. He doesn’t have any real skills, he puts his foot in his mouth and offends just about everyone he meets but there’s something very likeable about him. Lindsay is a zoologist, so is definitely more qualified than Ben but is developing a bit of an attitude as a result of her experiences. They complement each other wonderfully and while Ben would probably like the relationship to go in a romantic direction they’ve become almost like family. The whole team in fact are becoming almost like family and I love the way they bicker and argue but always have each others backs.

I am sad this series has ended as I loved the characters so much but it’s probably right that it finished the way it did. It was the perfect send off.

I will however be looking out for whatever the author writes next.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. As always all views are my own.

Did not finish as I didn't realize this was part of a series and the third book in one. It wasn't presented that way.

The Devil's Colony
Bill Schweigart


Welcome to “Valkommen” (If you enter you can never leave)Is a white supremacist camp in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. Now that is enough to scare most people.
Henry Drexler's promise of a better life without the stress of modern living. But there are a few catches.
incognito.
Ben McKelvie,his friend and zoologist Lindsay Clark along with cryptozoologist Richard Severance, have heard of some strange things going on in the woods. Ben and Lindsay set out to visit the compound incognito. When they try to sneak out a few nights later, they find out why no one leaves alive.

Non-stop action and excitement mixed with horror and devil worship. Just the thing for a night of reading during a raging thunderstorm.

I have read the BEAST OF BARCROFT and it was a real thriller. THE DEVIL’S COLONY is just as good if not better.

I definitely recommended this novel and Schweigart’s others books.


Don’t miss any of Bill Schweigart’s gripping supernatural thrillers
THE BEAST OF BARCROFT | NORTHWOODS | THE DEVIL’S COLONY


I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

The monster series ends with a bang! The crew assembles as Severence's former partner and mentor, Drexler, draws him to an enclave in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a Nazi and neo-Nazi gathering hosted by Drexler, son of one of Hitler's SS leaders. As the story unfolds, the origin of the Barwick Beast and the Minnesota Redmouths becomes clear, and fresh monsters are encountered. The characters continue to be real and deep. The suspense grows as both human and supernatural monsters menace Ben and Lindsey who have entered the camp undercover. All blows up at the end as Drexler uses the blood of his son to conjure the ultimate demon. The real evil lies in the humans. The writing is clear and follows a chronological timeline. Violence is well-described but not too graphic. Definitely read the Beast of Barwick and Northwoods first to fully appreciate this excellent final chapter.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2057377917

Eh. An interesting plot (aren't all plots dealing with cults interesting?) and decently drawn characters, this book SHOULD have inspired more than the 3 stars I gave it. Unfortunately, there were several instances where I had to suspend disbelief and just push through. It's not a bad book, it simply wasn't one that captured and held my attention. Go ahead and get it for an easy summer read, but don't expect a rip-roaring ride.

Richard Severance has dedicated his life to hunting for cryptids. Recent events have led him to form a team consisting of Lindsay Clark, Ben McKelvie, and Davis Holland. Unfortunately, Severance has learned his old friend and former mentor, Henry Drexler, has seemingly embraced his family’s Nazi history and is welcoming all to his property in the Pine Barrens. However, Severance suspects his old friend is up to more than just creating a utopia for neo-Nazis. Ben and Lindsay agree to go undercover into Välkommen, but will the monsters they face be cryptid or human in nature?

THE DEVIL’S COLONY is the third book in the <i>Fatal Folklores</i> trilogy. I would suggest reading the earlier books first, as the character development and relationships have already been established. THE DEVIL’S COLONY relies on the strength of those relationships in order to make the events both gut-wrenching and plausible.

And oh, is THE DEVIL’S COLONY gut-wrenching! I said some very bad things about Bill Schweigart after three very emotional and jarring scenes. Yes, Bill Schweigart’s writing is that good! He drew me in and made me care about the characters, to the point I was very angry at the horrors they had to endure while inside of Välkommen. Heck, I almost threw my Kindle across the room! Be warned as the depravity depicted is very graphic in nature.

Bill Schweigart takes readers on a journey deep in the dark abyss of the human heart, showing us that the cruelest of monsters often wear a human face. THE DEVIL’S COLONY is one of those books that haunts you, as you try to erase the horrors that mankind can inflict upon one another. Bill Schweigart does a marvelous job at integrating both the paranormal and the all-too-human horrors into one heck of a good book!

*review is in the editing queue at Fresh Fiction*

When I read the description for Bill Schweigart's THE DEVIL'S COLONY I was instantly intrigued. Monsters, skinheads, "a chilling decent into horror and human depravity". Sign me up! The only problem was that I didn't realize this was book three in a trilogy - I found this out halfway through the book, too.

Ben McKelvie had a good job, a nice house, a beautiful fiancée, until a bloodthirsty shapeshifter took it all away. Ever since, he’s been chasing supernatural beings and monsters all across the country. By his side are Lindsay Clark (zoologist) and Richard Severance (cryptozoologist). They're about to face their hardest challenge!

In the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Henry Drexler operates a private compound called Välkommen (Swedish for welcome). Drexler welcomes all visitors—as long as they’re racists or neo-Nazis. Drexler used to be Serverance's mentor, and his research could have potentially summoned a monster to the Pine Barrens. To find out the truth, Ben and Lindsay must enter the camp incognito. While there, they learn that the most evil monsters lurk inside the human heart.

So, while the premise was good I was completely lost in some points in the novel. Since I'm on book three of a trilogy - and it's not the type of detective series where they could be standalones - I was missing a lot of references and character development. So that definitely ruined the flow of the book and there were probably some events that lost some significance because I wasn't clued in. The horror element was there and the compound was really interesting to go through and see how Ben and Lindsay tried to blend in.

The writing was great and the horror was there. I'd highly recommend reading the first two in the trilogy if this one sounds appealing to you! I wish this was better marked to make it clear it was book three.

I give this 3.5/5 stars!

Big thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

An exciting read! I've read other books by this author and was glad to get my hands on this one. Action packed with a few humorous bits thrown in. Recommended.

The Devil's Colony is the third installment of Schweigart's monster hunting trilogy. There are a lot of references to events from the first two books, so it's recommended that readers interested in this book go back and read the first two books. This one takes place in a neo-Nazi settlement located in the Pine Barrens. I think the thing I liked the most about this book was that it featured not just your typical supernatural monsters, but also the very real monsters we encounter in our lives as humans or have read about in history books. Schweigart has a gift for presenting readers with not your every day kind of supernatural monsters as well. Readers continue to learn more about the characters from the first two books, who continue to be likable characters. I did appreciate that the author did come to a resolution at the end of this trilogy. While there are opportunities to go back and write about other past monster hunting adventures that weren't the focus of these books, I feel like everything was wrapped up pretty nicely in the end of this one with all the characters. Unfortunately, I felt like this resolution was a little rushed. Throughout the book, the writing was a little slow except for the last fifteen percent or, when the author essentially threw everything at you in a gory, supernatural, monster slaying tidal wave. Overall, not a bad series if you like big, bad monster hunters.

Another stellar novel from Bill Schweigart! "The Devil's Colony" continues with the Pandora's Box of cryptid beasts and human monsters.

Bill Schweigart won me over with his earlier works; "Beast of Barcroft" & "Northwoods."

At 75% completion of this book, there was such a shock regarding my favorite characters that I yelled, "NO!" out loud in the laundromat. I was as upset as if a good friend were injured.

Reading Schweigart's work is being transported into the realm of things that go bump in the day, and many of us believe they exist. We are certain that monsters walk among us today.

"The Devil's Colony" does stand alone, but the best experience will be had by reading "The Beast of Barcroft" and "Northwoods" first. My first Schweigart book was "Northwoods" and I had to go back and read "Beast...". I am a forever fan.

Thank you.

Honestly, all I can say at this point is you can't go wrong with a Bill Schweigart book. Fast-paced, interesting plot, developed characters, great writing - 'The Devil's Colony' is another all-around winner from Mr. Schweigart.

I enjoyed reading the last book in this series. What a story! Has to be read to the end. I won't give anything away. No spoilers here but I am glad it turned out differently than how I thought it was going to go. An interesting group of characters in this series.

This is an ok book was expecting more as the cover pulled me into reading it, would have liked a bit more of a story line

There are a handful of authors that I trust enough to read 2 books from, let alone 3. Especially in a series, because, let's face it, the second book generally sucks, and the third one rarely manages to measure up to the bar the first book set. Bill Schweigart is on the short list of authors I trust enough to keep reading, and The Devil's Colony just cemented his place on that list.

Lindsay, Ben, Severance, Alex, and Davis are all great characters that feel like the family they are to each other. Each of them are likable for their own reasons. Even Severance who - by anyone's admission - is a bit of a toerag. The first book had me side-eyeing him. The second book I was starting to appreciate him. One line - just one - in The Devil's Colony finally won me over. Any man who doesn't even hesitate to get on his knees and beg, if that's what it takes, is worth something.

It takes a while for The Devil's Colony to get rolling, but it's not a slow-burn book by any means. Once things start happening, it's one thing after another in twists you really didn't see coming. (Or some you did, and welcomed them anyways.) I went from face-palming over a particularly bad joke, to being on the edge of my seat and preparing to call the author some very naughty names in the space of like ten minutes. And then I was riding a high of arse-kicking satisfaction and watching Ben and Lindsay do their thing.

Schweigart did a fantastic job on The Devil's Colony. Finishing this book was definitely a good way to start my Monday morning on a high note. I didn't even mind the somewhat mushy all-the-feels wrap-up, y'all.

Well done, sir. Well done.

This book was worth the wait! Bill didn't disappoint, the excitement, suspense and action were amazing. I can't wait to see what's next.

I do not believe in monsters, even though I think I have known a couple in my lifetime. But I am talking about golems, djinns or other such mental fabrications. However, every time I read a Bill Schweigart novel I find myself glued to it. It is easy to release any preconceived notions when the writing is that good and as such it is easy for me to recommend this book for readers who like bump in the night, guts and gore fantasy, knowing that as soon as I have finished the book I will return to my world of disbelief.

A real roller coaster ride,couldn't put it down characters are well developed

Young anger leads to white supremacists leads to some type of wendego forest creature? No thank you.