THE DEVIL'S PROMISE, a one-day read because I could not stop and sure didn't want to, left me speechless. Not at all surprising, considering my acclaim for Author Celso Hurtado's incredible debut novel, GHOST TRACKS [November 2021], which introduced a remarkable and wonderfully diverse Series Protagonist, seventeen-year-old Erasmo Cruz. This young man is without a doubt one of the most endearing fictional characters I've ever encountered [this in a character-pantheon that includes my all-time favorite Louis, Gay Black assassin and fashion plate of a certain extensive John Connolly Series!] Erasmo is so easy to identify with, so relatable, so eliciting of empathy. So I'm not him and I didn't live his exact life, but so what? We resonate. That's one of the perfect aspects of this Series.

Another is how giftedly Mr. Hurtado writes bullet-train paced Suspense! It's difficult to catch my breath reading his novels! Then the depths--the issues--the lives--the characters: to die for...

The Paranormal/Supernatural: no need for suspension of disbelief here, nor for any skepticism concerning the depths of the abyss of Human Evil. Mr. Hurtado lays it on the line. On.the.Line. Erasmo's Encounters are...simply incredible.

I found the Denouement a little (a lot) shocking....but realistic. And the ending: just glorious. I ended the book turned inside out--shocked--dismayed--frightened--yet ultimately happy. [How often does that happen?]

In my review of the author's debut novel, GHOST TRACKS, back in 2021, I presciently wrote:

"May debut author Celso Hurtado have a long and creatively productive career, because this author is an exceptional wordsmith!"

I'm extraordinarily thankful this hope is coming to pass!

Really great book that kept me interested until the end. I jumped into this book without knowing one came before it, but it works perfectly as stand alone. I need to get the first and hope a third will be written. Favourite character was definitely Vero and I only liked her more as the story progressed! Highly recommend.

This was a slow start however it soon picked up quickly and was interesting throughout the entire book. Would I read it again? If it was on a different platform I would in a heartbeat. It was well worth my time.

An intriguing tale of a paranormal investigator who alone, without his usual friends, embarks on a mission to find the missing child of a man who made a deal with the devil in his teens. A story with an unusual end.

I have a hard time reading horror. It’s either corny or way too descriptive, leaving the action moments not action-like at all. I didn’t realize this was a second book and was confused at some of the parts (relationships with other characters) but that didn’t stop me from being engaged. I actually woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and instead of going back to sleep read more.

The story is well thought out and brings elements of real social horrors. Already got “Ghost Tracks” as my next read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy of this book in return for my honest opinions.

Release date: October 3, 2023!

This book is the second book in a series, but can easily be read as a stand alone novel. There were a few instances where I was not familiar with some references to past events, but it did not take anything away from the story

The book was full of horror/paranormal and had me checking the locks on my doors in the wee hours of the night. I had all the lights on and was curled up with my little schitzu as my protector, but couldn't stop reading.

Recommend! Yes, well worth the read!

Celso Hurtado’s ‘The Devil’s Promise’ is the second, not entirely standalone entry in the “Ghost Tracks” series, with ‘The Ghost Tracks’ itself being the first. It’s basically a paranormal YA novel, written simply yet with heart and great intelligence, sometimes darkly funny but always a riveting and enjoyable read (pretty much like the first entry!) The idea of a young Latino paranormal investigator going against the odds, still has its appeal, and Hurtado takes care not to outstay his welcome. Though it starts rather slowly, it soon picks up and the story intensifies with vivid depictions of entities and situations straight out of a demonology manual! The setting of San Antonio fits the story perfectly, the characters are totally relatable and the dialogue is sharp and natural, almost like friendly banter. I should mention that I loved the ending, and would happily recommend the book to everyone based just on that smart twist!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Inkshares for the ARC!