This was an intriguing Southern gothic horror novel! It was equal parts creepy and clever, while managing to to still be thought-provoking. Narrated by Imani Jade Powers, the story came perfectly to life. Loves of horror and dreaded need to check this book out!

Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan audio for the ALC! “Devils Kill Devils” is out now.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for this one. The audio by Imani Jade Powers was well done and a part I definitely enjoyed.

This was a unique story and take on the vampire. Not your conventional vamps, I really liked that the author mixed historical lore on vampires, demons, devils, and also just made up some of his own stuff. Overall they were the driving force that kept my enjoyment. They are brutal, commanding, savage even. And described in a way I’ve never experienced.

The novel itself though, features Sarita as the main character—oh and her hulking protector, called Angelo. He has saved her from drowning, from party kids getting a little too drunk, from going to the wrong places at the wrong times, and of course from someone she loved very much? Although later there is a reason given for why this happened, it just felt too random/weird too fast, and the description of why just never really caught up for me.

This was a little too all over the place. The pacing of which, with its horrendously repetitive pondering of why this was happening to Sarita, was far too slow, and then the sprinkling in of hyper-violence, just didn’t make sense for me. I was bored, then really engaged, and then it’d dissipate again. The big bad was described as this all powerful being, just to really not be all that climactic. It just had some unfortunate shortcomings.

With such a cool cover, I really wanted to love this one, and while I was kept on the line with the vampire stuff, the story was a bit of a loss for me.

In Devils Kill Devils by Johnny Compton, Sarita has lived her whole life being protected by a guardian angel — or so she thought, until he murders someone close to her before disappearing. She is then forced to unravel the truth before it sinks its teeth into everyone she loves.

It’s vampire season right now, and this is a great entry into the genre. This was such a unique take on a vampire story, and I loved the author’s note at the end talking about all the influences for his version of vampires.

You should read this book if you are looking for
- southern gothic vibes
- vampires, angels, and devils
- religious horror
- intersectional identities
- a badass girl MC

This was great as an audiobook!

This book started off strong with keeping me engaged as to what was happening, but then at multiple points in the book I got lost and mixed up as to what was going on. I found the reveal of what the supernatural thing that was happening to be interesting but there was just a bit lacking in the storytelling for me.
There were aspects of the story that I wanted more fleshing out that probably would have helped the confusion.

Johnny Compton’s second horror novel is a bloody southern gothic story that is rife with vampire lore and religious occultism.

Sarita has had a “guardian angel” since she was a child. Enigmatic and silent, he appears, saves her and leaves. Until her wedding night, when her “angel” savagely murders her husband.

This act of violence reveals that Sarita is much more important than she ever imagined and is destined to be the mother of the messiah.

This novel had some big plans, and for the most part Compton succeeds in achieving these plans. There are three main female-based storylines. Cela is an ancient vampire goddess whose centuries long machinations to save/cleanse humanity culminate with Sarita. Harrah, the mother of Sarita’s murdered husband, whose grief and fury make her a perfect pawn in Cela’s plan. And Sarita who refuses to accept this bloody destiny.

Though exciting and well-told, Compton’s pacing is off, with excessive and sloggy inner dialogue dispersed with bursts of gore and mesmerizing violence.

One third of this book was either confusing or unnecessary. Another third was really good and I was riveted and the last third was HOLEY MOLEY THATS AMAZING.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

3.5/5

This book was a bit of a conundrum for me. I liked it but I struggled with it. I mostly listened to it, but I got confused at points, and needed to reference the ebook to help clear things up. I will say that even rereading some chapters, I was still confused about some things. It wasn’t always clear who the current chapter was about right away, especially in the audiobook. It would have been nice to have headings for each chapter to help distinguish that, or even multiple narrators. (Although I do really love this narrator! It’s my second audiobook with her.)

This book kind of reminded me of American Gods by Neil Gaiman. (Which I loved.) But not executed quite as well. I really loved the premise of the book, and I mean it had devils, vampires, prophesies- the whole gamut. But I’m not sure exactly why it fell a little flat for me. Maybe it had just a little too much going on and I just had a little trouble following all of it.

I think this could be a hit for some crowds, though. And I would still try other books by this author.

I'm still in my Hot Horror Summer era, and next on the list is DEVILS KILL DEVILS, a novel about angels and prophecies and vampires and revenge. From a story perspective, I enjoyed getting to know the characters, learning about the vampire lore, and speculating about how all the plot threads would come together in the end. However, by the three-quarter mark, I have to admit the novel had lost me a bit. A big part of that had to do with the narration — which wasn't bad! But Powers' performance was quite soft and almost dreamlike in every scene, which led me to drift out of focus on occasion. Still, if you like a vampire story and tales where men get fridged instead of women, this novel might be for you!

Devils Kill Devils is a slow-building horror story surrounding Sarita and her guardian angel, Angelo. Angelo has saved Sarita’s life many times but when he murders someone she loves right in front of her very eyes, Sarita begins to question Angelo’s motive and overall presence in her life.

I’ll admit I was off to a confusing start with this one. With the different characters and other-worldly introductions, I had to buckle my attention down. I think what threw me was that it began to sound very “fantasy” rather than “horror” and a fantasy fan, I am not.

The book begins with a bang and then immediately backs off in order to provide an intensely layered background. Unfortunately, I couldn’t bring myself to care about any of the characters.

The audiobook narration is mostly enjoyable but it is not without flaws. There are a few instances where the narration, just for a sentence or two, sound like they are in a different voice, almost robotic; almost like it didn’t turn out the way the producers wanted it to the first time so they went back to re-record it but in an entirely different voice and audio quality. Otherwise, I enjoyed the narration performed by Imani Jade Powers.

I am super interested in vampire stories so I was surprised to not like this one. Between the non-compelling characters, slow pacing, and fantasy elements I couldn’t bring myself to finish it. From what I did read, I knew this book wasn’t going to get a good rating from me so I chose to stop reading at around the 50% mark.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review! Available 09/24/2024!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me an early copy of this audiobook! All opinions are my own!

This is going to be such a difficult review because I feel like everything I loved about this book would be a spoiler!

From the uniqueness of the worldbuilding to the complexity of the world itself, I really enjoyed how fresh this book was from start to finish. It had me hooked from the beginning with the total mystery of the supernatural elements, but even once you figure that piece out, it has its claws in you already and you end up never wanting it to let go!

I did feel that the start was a bit slow as far as actually building up the world and the scenario that it was going to place the characters in. But once the ball really got rolling, I absolutely needed to know more!

I don't want to say much more than that, but if you like the premise, then definitely give this a try because it's more than you could ask for!

So I also did a review on the original book I had to check it out in audiobook the second time around was so much better I really like the narrator and everything about this book read it or listen to it you won't be disappointed

If Sylvia Moreno Garcia decided to get a little more vicious in her writing, you might get Devils Kill Devils. Fascinating mythology, and an absolutely stellar first act make for an interesting read. Very different than The Spite House as a heads up.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance audio copy.

Audio ARC review~

Devils, guardian angels, and… vampires? Sarita has been protected since childhood by a man she assumes is a guardian angel, until he murders someone she loves.
This wasn’t quite what I was expecting but was still intriguing nonetheless. The first few chapters had me hooked but I lost my steam about halfway through. I found the author’s take on vampires to be interesting and it definitely allowed for more gore and violence than a more traditional vampire tale would. The ending felt somewhat rushed and the overall pacing of the book was a little off. The narration was clear and easy to follow, and the audio quality was consistent throughout.

3/5 ⭐️

While I loved the gore level, I wish I would have felt more towards at least one character. The story also verged a bit more into a certain fantasy (or fantasy adjacent) realm that I don't usually love the vibes of.

3.5 stars* Devils Kill Devils by Johnny Compton

I picked up The Spite House last year when it first came out and I loved it! So, when I saw the opportunity to read from him again, I rushed to request a copy of the audiobook arc. This book has such an interesting premise and starts off with a bang!

Sarita has always had a guardian angel, who she calls Angelo, watching over her. When Angelo murders someone she loves, Sarita begins to see what’s really lurking in the shadows surrounding her. If she hopes to make it out alive, she must embrace the evil within.

I loved the first chunk of this book but I think I just ended up getting lost conceptually. I also think that the switches between perspectives weren’t as obvious as I would have liked which often left me confused. Overall it was still an enjoyable read and I will continue picking up from Johnny Compton!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me this arc audiobook for me to review! These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

This has a strong premise and the book starts off well but unfortunately it just kind of fizzles out, never fully pulled me in, and just felt like we were going around in circles for most of the book. There was so much going on but it just never felt interesting or exciting enough, I found myself zoing in and out. I found myself wanting more of something but I couldn't tell you what. Just felt like something was missing.

Also, I don't know if it was just the audiobook narrator but I struggled with the switching between Sarita and Cera's chapters. Chapter titles with the character's names might have helped smooth it out.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an arc in exchange for a honest review.

Devils Kill Devils was quite a bloody, pulpy mess, and I loved that about it. I really liked Compton’s rendition of a vampire, and also liked hearing his reasoning behind it in the Author’s Notes. Coming in just under 300 pages, this one reads fast and is straight to the point right from the beginning without venturing off from the main event. I liked the characters and enjoyed the narration in the audiobook. I can’t wait to read what Compton puts out next. If you enjoy reading novels based on cults, dark magic and vampires, I think you’d like this one. Thanks to Tor Nightfire and Macmillan Audio for my advanced audiobook. Devils Kill Devils will be published just in time for spooky season, 9/24.

There were points where the audio quality varied in the audiobook - the voice performance is great, paced well, and dramatic as desired

Regarding the book itself:

Nothing short of the best vampire novel I’ve ever read. THANK you. Every detail of the worldbuilding is fascinating and the prose is so good, it establishes Compton as a major talent.

I didn’t love every single thing about it - while it starts with a bang, the book takes a while to reveal its hand enough for you to understand what it has in store. I think it’s worth the patience for its worldbuilding alone, but not every reader may be. Also there’s at least one late second-act exposition dump that I think is a little too blunt and detailed, where I think some of the specifics would’ve been better teased out in the margins.

Otherwise, I loved it. A work of true horror - gut-churning, bone-crunching, flesh-slicing horror - that I relished. Compton’s King-esque devotion to character detail and a flair for the cosmic made this exactly my kind of romp. This book starts with a bang and never really settles down - except then it somehow doesn’t even hit its true stride until the second half? I loved the worldbuilding and character detail and Compton’s fluid, evocative prose. Honestly, all my critiques are far too specific to belong in a pre-release review. Despite those critiques, I would recommend this novel to practically any horror reader I knowI would advise prospective readers to try to remain unspoiled. I didn’t really know the premise or log line or even that it was a vampire book going in, and I think my experience was the better for it.

Who can be against?

Johnny Compton invites us to the Texas Hill Country - a place as haunted as it is beautiful in Devils Kill Devils. Sarita has grown up with a guardian angel - Angelo - who saved her from drowning when she was very young. As she grows into young adulthood, Angelo repeatedly saves her life, and this knowledge gives Sarita a feeling of security, but when she grows into adulthood, Angelo shocks Sarita with an unthinkable act. The events of this night set Sarita on a path towards absolute destruction where she encounters savage monsters and hungry gods.

Devils Kill Devils is a horror novel for fantasy fans. The world building is superb. As Sarita moves closer to an inevitable violent collision with her own devil, Compton fleshes out a world with centuries of history, revealing a plan that has been secretly moving towards these moments in the background long before they have been revealed to Sarita and the reader.

The villains are terrifying. This one is more gruesome than suspenseful, but the mere existence of this other culture living just below the surface of the known world is horrific. Excellent cast of interesting, likable (and repulsive) side characters.

Well done.

Not what I was expecting. Wow this audio book took me for a wild ride, and I enjoyed every minute of it! The great narration had me immersed in the story from the beginning.

Thank you, NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this advanced audiobook. This was a fun thriller. Sarita has a guardian angel she calls Angelo. When Sarita gets married, she witnesses Angela murder her husband, but no one believes her that it was him and they think she was just traumatized from the event. I knew going into this novel that it would be supernatural in nature, but I was not expecting vampires. I completely had it in my mind that Angelo was an angel or something going in. Well, I should know better by now not to have preconceived notions about any books. This was a fun book and anyone who enjoys the tv shows Supernatural or Evil would enjoy this story.