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The Portal
Three hundred years ago, on an isolated island in Long Island Sound, Satan tried to open a doorway to Hell. Now he's returned to finish the task.
A black speedboat arrives at the small island community of Stone Harbor. Its mysterious passenger, Joey Oates, inspires terror by his very presence. He’s Satan incarnate, back to complete a ritual left unfinished three hundred years ago. A lost talisman called the Portal can open a doorway for the demons of Hell to enter our world. Oates plans to find the Portal, and finish unlocking it.
Former lovers Scott Tackett, family hardware store owner, and Allie Layton, flamed-out Hollywood actress, are about to reconnect after years apart, until they discover the evil growing in town. Only they can stop Oates’s awful plan and save the world from the living nightmares standing ready to crawl out of Hell.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
A black speedboat arrives at the small island community of Stone Harbor. Its mysterious passenger, Joey Oates, inspires terror by his very presence. He’s Satan incarnate, back to complete a ritual left unfinished three hundred years ago. A lost talisman called the Portal can open a doorway for the demons of Hell to enter our world. Oates plans to find the Portal, and finish unlocking it.
Former lovers Scott Tackett, family hardware store owner, and Allie Layton, flamed-out Hollywood actress, are about to reconnect after years apart, until they discover the evil growing in town. Only they can stop Oates’s awful plan and save the world from the living nightmares standing ready to crawl out of Hell.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
- GenresHorror
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2020
9 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Russell James
48 books216 followersRussell R. James was raised on Long Island, New York and spent too much time watching Chiller, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, and Dark Shadows, despite his parents’ warnings. Bookshelves full of Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe didn’t make things better. He graduated from Cornell University and the University of Central Florida.
After a tour flying helicopters with the U.S. Army, he now spins twisted tales best read in daylight.
His wife reads what he writes, rolls her eyes, and says “There is something seriously wrong with you.”
He has published the novels DARK INSPIRATION, SACRIFICE, BLACK MAGIC and DARK VENGEANCE, the compilations OUT OF TIME and TALES FROM BEYOND, as well as numerous short stories. He founded the Minnows Literary Group.
He and his wife share their home in sunny Florida with two cats.
Drop by the website to kill some time with some short stories.
After a tour flying helicopters with the U.S. Army, he now spins twisted tales best read in daylight.
His wife reads what he writes, rolls her eyes, and says “There is something seriously wrong with you.”
He has published the novels DARK INSPIRATION, SACRIFICE, BLACK MAGIC and DARK VENGEANCE, the compilations OUT OF TIME and TALES FROM BEYOND, as well as numerous short stories. He founded the Minnows Literary Group.
He and his wife share their home in sunny Florida with two cats.
Drop by the website to kill some time with some short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 14, 2020
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
Flame Tree Press continues to release high quality reads with even higher quality authors in their stable. When I saw Russell had been added and that his book ‘The Portal‘ would be coming out through them, I was so excited. Russell has also been amazingly kind and supportive to me and seeing him continue to succeed warms my heart.
If you’ve not read a James book before, there are a few things you should know going in.
1) Action. James likes to write fantastic action scenes.
2) Carnage. See #1.
3) Characters. Russell has a way of making characters feel like you’ve known them forever and that they may just be walking down the street outside your house this very minute.
What I liked: What if the devil hung out in your town and made a bunch of deals with the people? That is the basic premise of ‘The Portal.’ Lucifer himself was called forth many years ago and now he’s back, wanting to cash in on debts owed.
James takes this idea and runs with it, creating a story filled with darkness, dread and some fantastic characters. We get introduced to them at the beginning, which allows the reader to truly know just who they’ve decided to take this wild ride with.
I loved Scott and Allie’s characters, seeing where they came from, and how they arrived at their current situation, but the character of Oates, Mr. Satan himself was a barrel of fun.
What I didn’t like: In the afterword, James tells a quick story of running into an incredibly well-dressed man one night while with a female friend. This random moment inspired this story and I think if this was offered up as a foreword rather than in the afterword, it would’ve made Oates seem all that more unsettling.
Why you should buy it: ‘The Portal‘ was a ton of fun. James gives us everything that horror fans love and at the end of the book you’ll have a smile on your face. I loved how James layered the story, especially with the unfinished ritual and the town’s role in how things played out. Great stuff from a great author!
Flame Tree Press continues to release high quality reads with even higher quality authors in their stable. When I saw Russell had been added and that his book ‘The Portal‘ would be coming out through them, I was so excited. Russell has also been amazingly kind and supportive to me and seeing him continue to succeed warms my heart.
If you’ve not read a James book before, there are a few things you should know going in.
1) Action. James likes to write fantastic action scenes.
2) Carnage. See #1.
3) Characters. Russell has a way of making characters feel like you’ve known them forever and that they may just be walking down the street outside your house this very minute.
What I liked: What if the devil hung out in your town and made a bunch of deals with the people? That is the basic premise of ‘The Portal.’ Lucifer himself was called forth many years ago and now he’s back, wanting to cash in on debts owed.
James takes this idea and runs with it, creating a story filled with darkness, dread and some fantastic characters. We get introduced to them at the beginning, which allows the reader to truly know just who they’ve decided to take this wild ride with.
I loved Scott and Allie’s characters, seeing where they came from, and how they arrived at their current situation, but the character of Oates, Mr. Satan himself was a barrel of fun.
What I didn’t like: In the afterword, James tells a quick story of running into an incredibly well-dressed man one night while with a female friend. This random moment inspired this story and I think if this was offered up as a foreword rather than in the afterword, it would’ve made Oates seem all that more unsettling.
Why you should buy it: ‘The Portal‘ was a ton of fun. James gives us everything that horror fans love and at the end of the book you’ll have a smile on your face. I loved how James layered the story, especially with the unfinished ritual and the town’s role in how things played out. Great stuff from a great author!
July 27, 2023
Oh, this one was fun.
I do warn you: if you're a content warning sort of person, there are all sorts of triggers here.
This a dark and violent story of good versus evil in a small town.
Now, I was a bit surprised by how quickly people accepted what was happening. I mean, if someone came to me with this sort of thing, I'd be skeptical. These folks just seem to immediately accept things. Otherwise, though, the story is eerie, our characters terrific, and our evil is iconic.
Definitely a good story!
I do warn you: if you're a content warning sort of person, there are all sorts of triggers here.
This a dark and violent story of good versus evil in a small town.
Now, I was a bit surprised by how quickly people accepted what was happening. I mean, if someone came to me with this sort of thing, I'd be skeptical. These folks just seem to immediately accept things. Otherwise, though, the story is eerie, our characters terrific, and our evil is iconic.
Definitely a good story!
October 20, 2020
There is so much I loved about this book. The depiction of the devil is creepy. The evil is well described and chilling. I loved the set up of Stone Harbor and it’s inhabitants. Allie and her addiction are well portrayed. Scottie was likeable. I loved Milo, the earnest young police man. There are lots of wonderful set pieces in this.
Unfortunately, the element that I liked best about this book is what ultimately led me to rate it three stars.
This is a book about good and evil. The evil is described very well, has rules and the people involved are believable. You can see the steps they took to get where they are. Five stars.
However, when it comes to the good, it’s ultimately disappointing.
The fact there are good people in the book, people willing to sacrifice themselves for others, who wish to stand up and speak the truth - yay! Five stars. I loved how the good people had their struggles too, and their temptations.
While the evil has solid world building, the good is a muddled mess of contradictions and inconsistencies. A major plot point in the novel doesn’t make sense.
I deducted one star each for both Allie and Scottie condoning different evil actions, with both supporting said actions because they meant the best.
There is also pedophilia in this book, which some people might find too disturbing to read about.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, the element that I liked best about this book is what ultimately led me to rate it three stars.
This is a book about good and evil. The evil is described very well, has rules and the people involved are believable. You can see the steps they took to get where they are. Five stars.
However, when it comes to the good, it’s ultimately disappointing.
The fact there are good people in the book, people willing to sacrifice themselves for others, who wish to stand up and speak the truth - yay! Five stars. I loved how the good people had their struggles too, and their temptations.
While the evil has solid world building, the good is a muddled mess of contradictions and inconsistencies. A major plot point in the novel doesn’t make sense.
I deducted one star each for both Allie and Scottie condoning different evil actions, with both supporting said actions because they meant the best.
There is also pedophilia in this book, which some people might find too disturbing to read about.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2020
Short review - Fantastic novel and a great read!
Slightly longer review - Remember Needful Things, the Stephen King novel set in a small town where the devil provides you with trinkets you feel you need? Well, this novel begins reminding me of that a lot, however, segues into a race against time to stop Satan from opening a portal to hell. The characters are great,. the baddies are well thought out and the premise works. A one-sitting novel for me that left me devouring pages and really enjoying the concerns that things may not go so well for everyone! Definitely a recommendation for those who enjoy a little satanic panic with their horror.
Slightly longer review - Remember Needful Things, the Stephen King novel set in a small town where the devil provides you with trinkets you feel you need? Well, this novel begins reminding me of that a lot, however, segues into a race against time to stop Satan from opening a portal to hell. The characters are great,. the baddies are well thought out and the premise works. A one-sitting novel for me that left me devouring pages and really enjoying the concerns that things may not go so well for everyone! Definitely a recommendation for those who enjoy a little satanic panic with their horror.
June 26, 2020
The Portal is a B feature covered in cheese. Seemingly unashamedly so. It takes the good old devil in a small town premise and utilizes the kitchen sink approach to bring it to life. Or death, technically. So behold…a small island somewhere off the US Atlantic Northern coast where the separation between the good and evil is thin. For some reason it’s only every 300 years that the devil can take advantage of it and bring his troops through. For some reason the devil likes to play dress up while doing so. And in this incarnation he is, hilariously so, a Brooklyner named Joey Oates, gold chain and all. So Joey Oates comes to the island in a black speedboat, of course, and proceeds to collect his debts, the evil souls that are all around to incorporate them in his plans. Turn out quite a few islanders are in his debt, especially the local sheriff. So in the end it’s down to a washed up actress who came back home to recuperate after a cocaine haze of fame and a hardware store owner who came back home to take over the family business to stop Oates in his evil tracks. They’ll have some help, but basically they are the designated heroes here. Enter the kitchen sink approach, what would a story about the evil usually have? Manipulating deals…check, hastily thrown together backstory featuring Vikings…check, witches…throw them in too, make that five virgin witches. Sacrifices…sure, that too. But also, some safe outs, just so our heroes can actually save the day. And so it goes, a very silly story, if you pause to think about it, so try not to pause in reading it. Just kind of go with it. It’s very reminiscent of the old school horror, something maybe from the 80s or 90s, from a lesser publisher, a paperback with a lurid cover. And yet, the writing is surprisingly decent, at least the character writing, which really goes a long way in enhancing the overall enjoyment of the novel. It’s still a long way from what one might call a literary horror and the devil goes by Joey and all that, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously either and neither should you. It’s silly, cheesy and offers plenty of guts and gore and genre prerequisites for the fans and it’s kinda sorta fun in a very undemanding way. So there you go. I’m the first to review this book and I really did try to be generous and objective. Thanks Netgalley.
October 12, 2020
The Portal is a bone chilling horror story of what happens when our sins come back for us!
This fast paced story went straight for the action and mayhem from the very beginning! Shouldn’t expect less when the book you’re reading is about the consequences of making deals with the devil! In this bone chilling story you have many points of view and each character has their role to play! That’s what really added to the story!
As each character came into the story it added a sense of mystery as you pieces together what exactly their role was! Now if they have a conversation with the damned himself you were left wondering what debt they owed!
I will say that some events left me speechless and utterly in shock (I’m still trying to get certain scenes out of my mind) but I can not take stars off for that! I knew what I was getting myself into and I knew that sinister events were going to take place and well they did so consider this a warning!
I will say though that I loved how religion came into play! It wasn’t about being the most devout or perfect! It was about what you decided to do! Would you be coerced or would you meet your end to save those around you?
This book is one that will have you on the edge of your seat and though points of view change the author makes it easy enough to follow and keep up with all events as they unfold!
This fast paced story went straight for the action and mayhem from the very beginning! Shouldn’t expect less when the book you’re reading is about the consequences of making deals with the devil! In this bone chilling story you have many points of view and each character has their role to play! That’s what really added to the story!
As each character came into the story it added a sense of mystery as you pieces together what exactly their role was! Now if they have a conversation with the damned himself you were left wondering what debt they owed!
I will say that some events left me speechless and utterly in shock (I’m still trying to get certain scenes out of my mind) but I can not take stars off for that! I knew what I was getting myself into and I knew that sinister events were going to take place and well they did so consider this a warning!
I will say though that I loved how religion came into play! It wasn’t about being the most devout or perfect! It was about what you decided to do! Would you be coerced or would you meet your end to save those around you?
This book is one that will have you on the edge of your seat and though points of view change the author makes it easy enough to follow and keep up with all events as they unfold!
November 13, 2020
This was a quick read that I enjoyed. The characters are interesting and the plot keeps you turning the pages. It's all about a stranger coming to a little town. He has a very specific purpose that I won't get into but, it is quite chilling and bloody. Let’s just say that the inhabitants will pay dearly for his presence. My first Russel James novel and certainly not my last. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
October 13, 2020
Don't come expecting Lucifer as historically portrayed, nor witches practicing oneness with Nature. Lucifer here is still the deceptive Father of Lies, Collector of Souls, but he's stuck on Earth and not omnipotent. He needs assistance (!) and he only gets a chance at The Portal every three centuries.
Also these five contemporary witches are actually sorcerers. I empathize with the head witch's need to belong and her miserable early life. but the path she chose to power....not recommended.
Stone Harbor is a quiet island in the Atlantic, thirty miles from Long Island and from Massachusetts. A tourist haven in summer, the townspeople experience long winters, but they're survivors. Now the third century is up and Lucifer comes to town, expecting to open the Portal to his realm, from which he has been blocked. The founding families faced this in 1720; will their descendants be able to again stop him?
High gore level and obscenity/profanity, lots of violence. Some readers may find the choice of Lucifer as Antagonist to be offensive.
Also these five contemporary witches are actually sorcerers. I empathize with the head witch's need to belong and her miserable early life. but the path she chose to power....not recommended.
Stone Harbor is a quiet island in the Atlantic, thirty miles from Long Island and from Massachusetts. A tourist haven in summer, the townspeople experience long winters, but they're survivors. Now the third century is up and Lucifer comes to town, expecting to open the Portal to his realm, from which he has been blocked. The founding families faced this in 1720; will their descendants be able to again stop him?
High gore level and obscenity/profanity, lots of violence. Some readers may find the choice of Lucifer as Antagonist to be offensive.
September 28, 2020
[Appears on www.aidenmerchant.com] The premise behind The Portal is an easy horror grab - the devil has returned to open his doorway to Hell. It also flows with potential for a gruesome and wild ride, even if we never see the devil’s demons feast upon the Earth. He, alone, should be enough for carnage.
While there was a well-structured plot at play here, I didn’t care for some of the lead characters. Scott is fine and all, but Allie wasn’t someone I could attach to it in any manner (especially once you learn what it is she’s done in her past that haunts her). Despite her last act being the right move, it was still stained by some comments she immediately makes that I can’t even mention without causing spoilers. But, obviously, I didn’t like them. Luckily, I did approve of Miles, Oates (aka the devil), and his right hand man. Everyone else … meh. That being said, the supporting cast was just that - supporting, and not necessarily at the front of things. Allie was the main kink in the lead cast.
I also had issue with the child death and rape. This seems to be the “in” thing to do in entertainment right now, and I absolutely despise it. It’s one thing to mention a child being killed, and another to describe it and give unnecessary details. It’s exactly why we never returned to Perry Mason after its first episode, and why I’m scared to watch season two of The Alienist. All this kid butchering is making me sick. Again, I’m not saying you can’t kill a kid in a story - I think I’ve possibly done it - but don’t go into detail. Please! It immediately puts people like me off on a book. (Then again, this is horror, and horror is expected to shock you or, at least, make you feel uncomfortable in some fashion.)
Lastly (well, not really, but I’m going to wrap up things here), I found a lot of what was going to feel skin-deep. I wasn’t entranced, in other words. I never felt “hooked” or thought, I need to read at least one more chapter before I stop for the night! And yet, I didn’t feel like reading the book was a chore either. The Portal was, essentially, a middle of the road kind of book for me. There were about as many positives as there were negatives, creating a wash. I could have been better won over with an explosive ending - I don’t feel like we got that, really - but it is what it is. I wouldn’t advise anyone to skip this book, but I probably wouldn’t feel the need to recommend it either. The Portal was just solid, nothing special.
Review by Aiden Merchant
www.aidenmerchant.com (Also on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon)
contact@aidenmerchant.com (Message for review consideration)
While there was a well-structured plot at play here, I didn’t care for some of the lead characters. Scott is fine and all, but Allie wasn’t someone I could attach to it in any manner (especially once you learn what it is she’s done in her past that haunts her). Despite her last act being the right move, it was still stained by some comments she immediately makes that I can’t even mention without causing spoilers. But, obviously, I didn’t like them. Luckily, I did approve of Miles, Oates (aka the devil), and his right hand man. Everyone else … meh. That being said, the supporting cast was just that - supporting, and not necessarily at the front of things. Allie was the main kink in the lead cast.
I also had issue with the child death and rape. This seems to be the “in” thing to do in entertainment right now, and I absolutely despise it. It’s one thing to mention a child being killed, and another to describe it and give unnecessary details. It’s exactly why we never returned to Perry Mason after its first episode, and why I’m scared to watch season two of The Alienist. All this kid butchering is making me sick. Again, I’m not saying you can’t kill a kid in a story - I think I’ve possibly done it - but don’t go into detail. Please! It immediately puts people like me off on a book. (Then again, this is horror, and horror is expected to shock you or, at least, make you feel uncomfortable in some fashion.)
Lastly (well, not really, but I’m going to wrap up things here), I found a lot of what was going to feel skin-deep. I wasn’t entranced, in other words. I never felt “hooked” or thought, I need to read at least one more chapter before I stop for the night! And yet, I didn’t feel like reading the book was a chore either. The Portal was, essentially, a middle of the road kind of book for me. There were about as many positives as there were negatives, creating a wash. I could have been better won over with an explosive ending - I don’t feel like we got that, really - but it is what it is. I wouldn’t advise anyone to skip this book, but I probably wouldn’t feel the need to recommend it either. The Portal was just solid, nothing special.
Review by Aiden Merchant
www.aidenmerchant.com (Also on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon)
contact@aidenmerchant.com (Message for review consideration)
October 23, 2020
I am a huge fan of Russell James's stories. The Portal showcases his particular brand of horror - supernatural, demonic and downright scary. Here we have a small island, and Lucifer in the form of a man called Joey Oates whose malevolence oozes out of him, leaving a trail of stinking sulfur and death in its wake. There are three hundred year scores to settle, witches, and souls that Oates has come to claim. In among it all is the portal...
The main characters - Allie and Scott - each have their challenges. Allie, in particular, has a terrible secret. But this is Stone Harbor, an apparently quiet little backwater, where almost everyone we meet has something murky in their past, or present, all of which adds to the compelling nature of this story. The author combines familiar horror tropes with his own original twists and creates lots of unexpected twists and turns that kept me glued to each page. Full of mystery, suspense, murder and the macabre, this is a perfect story for a dark night. Highly recommended.
The main characters - Allie and Scott - each have their challenges. Allie, in particular, has a terrible secret. But this is Stone Harbor, an apparently quiet little backwater, where almost everyone we meet has something murky in their past, or present, all of which adds to the compelling nature of this story. The author combines familiar horror tropes with his own original twists and creates lots of unexpected twists and turns that kept me glued to each page. Full of mystery, suspense, murder and the macabre, this is a perfect story for a dark night. Highly recommended.
November 2, 2020
The Portal is a supernatural thriller which focuses on a literal portal to Hell. 300 years ago, a ritual to open the portal and bring the denizens of Hell to the surface in Stone Harbor was thwarted by some of the elders of the village. Satan, in the form of Joey Oates, has been waiting since then to get the chance to finish what he couldn't so many years ago. Two people, Scott Tackett and Allie Layton, once a teenaged couple in Stone Harbor, have reunited and are the town's only chance to stop Lucifer.
From the time Joey Oates landed and started trading favors, I was reminded of Needful Things by Stephen King. He oozed of malevolence, however nobody could refuse him. The author described the aura that came with him so well that I felt it.
The love story between Allie and Scott served to make them even more likeable, especially with their background of teen lovers. However, my favorite character of all was Milo, the policeman who helped them save the town. The character development of this book was done quite well so I got to bond with the characters early and know who I liked and disliked.
There was a very disturbing scene of pedophilia, which was quite graphic. As a parent, it was really difficult to read and this definitely may be a trigger for some readers.
This was my first time trying Russell James but I can tell it won't be my last. I truly enjoyed this book
Due to the pedophilia along with some very adult themes, this book should be read by adults.
From the time Joey Oates landed and started trading favors, I was reminded of Needful Things by Stephen King. He oozed of malevolence, however nobody could refuse him. The author described the aura that came with him so well that I felt it.
The love story between Allie and Scott served to make them even more likeable, especially with their background of teen lovers. However, my favorite character of all was Milo, the policeman who helped them save the town. The character development of this book was done quite well so I got to bond with the characters early and know who I liked and disliked.
There was a very disturbing scene of pedophilia, which was quite graphic. As a parent, it was really difficult to read and this definitely may be a trigger for some readers.
This was my first time trying Russell James but I can tell it won't be my last. I truly enjoyed this book
Due to the pedophilia along with some very adult themes, this book should be read by adults.
October 11, 2020
Allie Layton returns to Stone Harbor. She expects her return to be a great place to restart her life away from the pressures and rat-race of LA and Hollywood. Scott Tackett -- part of her past -- is there, too. He now runs his father's hardware store. Just as it appears they are going to rekindle their old friendship, a strange man comes to the island. Joey Oates. He's more than just dark, creepy and disturbing....he might just be the devil himself. And, he's there to finish a ritual that was interrupted 300 years ago. A ritual that will open the portal to hell.....
Oh my! This book definitely kept my attention from start to finish. The characters, plot and descriptions are well-crafted. This story has some rather disturbing elements and touches on some heavy topics -- rape, death of children, etc. But....if the devil was present tempting an island of unsuspecting people in preparation to open the gate to hell....bad, bad things would go down. So, definitely disturbing....but not overdone.
This is the first book by Russell James that I've read. I'm definitely going to read more! This story creeped me out! Very entertaining!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. No deals with the devil were made in the writing of this review. Honest.**
Oh my! This book definitely kept my attention from start to finish. The characters, plot and descriptions are well-crafted. This story has some rather disturbing elements and touches on some heavy topics -- rape, death of children, etc. But....if the devil was present tempting an island of unsuspecting people in preparation to open the gate to hell....bad, bad things would go down. So, definitely disturbing....but not overdone.
This is the first book by Russell James that I've read. I'm definitely going to read more! This story creeped me out! Very entertaining!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Flame Tree Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. No deals with the devil were made in the writing of this review. Honest.**
October 16, 2020
Small town horror. More on the blog tour.
July 9, 2020
This religious horror was a quick paced, high tension read.
Life is tranquil on the small island of Stone Harbor. Allie Layton has returned from LA to restart her life and escape the pressures of Hollywood. Scott Tackett has taken over his father's hardware store and is ready to settle down. All is well until a mysterious man wearing all black and going by the name of Joey Oates appears. It's obvious to everyone he's the devil. Literally. Now, Scott and Allie must race against the clock to keep Oates from opening a portal to hell and unleashing death and torture on their small community.
This book is fast paced with disturbing scenes of violence. It's a battle of good versus evil where the devil is constantly tempting the characters to give in to their worst desires. The dialogue is realistic, the characters are interesting and I was pleased with the ending. If you enjoy religious horror and don't mind a little gore, this book is the right pick for you.
Note: Trigger warnings are child death and rape.
Life is tranquil on the small island of Stone Harbor. Allie Layton has returned from LA to restart her life and escape the pressures of Hollywood. Scott Tackett has taken over his father's hardware store and is ready to settle down. All is well until a mysterious man wearing all black and going by the name of Joey Oates appears. It's obvious to everyone he's the devil. Literally. Now, Scott and Allie must race against the clock to keep Oates from opening a portal to hell and unleashing death and torture on their small community.
This book is fast paced with disturbing scenes of violence. It's a battle of good versus evil where the devil is constantly tempting the characters to give in to their worst desires. The dialogue is realistic, the characters are interesting and I was pleased with the ending. If you enjoy religious horror and don't mind a little gore, this book is the right pick for you.
Note: Trigger warnings are child death and rape.
October 27, 2020
A small and quite idyllic island, Stone Harbor, seemingly quiet with few visitors out of season soon takes an unexpected turn of events. A black clothed man - Joey Oates - makes an appearance via boat in search of his long lost Portal, a gateway which will open allowing demons to enter the world.
Oates doesn’t come alone but with a group of people who had previously made a deal with him who go in search of this portal. They intend to leave no stone unturned, anyone who gets in their way is dealt with.
Allie, an ex Hollywood actress, came home to the island to find herself again along with her ex boyfriend Scott find themselves in the middle of all the chaos and horror that is unfolding around them. They race Oates in attempt to find and secure the Portal.
I enjoyed the characters of the childhood sweethearts, each had well written backstories with their own secrets brought to light. Oates who we quickly find out is in fact the devil himself also well written and definitely devilish. He is easy to hate with his singular dedication to his cause of opening the gateway to hell.
Overall, a very quick and highly enjoyable read full of horror, supernatural, murders and intrigue all mixed in. My first book from this author, I would recommend to those who enjoy a good horror. I will be adding more of his stories to my TBR pile.
A massive thank you to Russell James and Flame Tree Press for the ARC and the opportunity to review.
Oates doesn’t come alone but with a group of people who had previously made a deal with him who go in search of this portal. They intend to leave no stone unturned, anyone who gets in their way is dealt with.
Allie, an ex Hollywood actress, came home to the island to find herself again along with her ex boyfriend Scott find themselves in the middle of all the chaos and horror that is unfolding around them. They race Oates in attempt to find and secure the Portal.
I enjoyed the characters of the childhood sweethearts, each had well written backstories with their own secrets brought to light. Oates who we quickly find out is in fact the devil himself also well written and definitely devilish. He is easy to hate with his singular dedication to his cause of opening the gateway to hell.
Overall, a very quick and highly enjoyable read full of horror, supernatural, murders and intrigue all mixed in. My first book from this author, I would recommend to those who enjoy a good horror. I will be adding more of his stories to my TBR pile.
A massive thank you to Russell James and Flame Tree Press for the ARC and the opportunity to review.
October 20, 2020
I would like to say a HUGE thank you to Russell James, for writing the best supernatural horror novel that I've read for decades! Joey Oates arrives on the small island of Stone Harbor in a malevolent black speedboat called Killin' Time. The speedboat isn't the only malevolent thing about Mr Oates as that is a pseudonym, his real name is Lucifer and he is the devil incarnate. This isn't his first visit to the island either, he was first there three hundred years previously in order to utilise a weak spot between our world and Hell. He has a portal to facilitate the way through but his last attempt was foiled and he has had to wait for three hundred years for everything to be right for this second attempt.
He hasn't been idle in the intervening years, he has a coven to perform the rite, a psychopath who really loves his work as his right hand man and a gang of thugs to assist his assistant. On the side of the blessed are the pastor, former actress Allie Layton and her high school boyfriend now the owner of the hardware store, Scott Tackett and the young, inexperienced deputy, Milo. Not exactly an even match!
This book was incredibly hard to put down, (and all too easy to pick up again), there is an awful scene where a child is raped and murdered but the author doesn't dwell on the deed, it happens 'off camera' so to speak, although we know what's going to happen (leaving me time to go 'oh no, oh no, oh no!' about a million times- sad, sad person), we don't have to witness it. The nature of the book means that there will be violence but again Russell James is skilled at inference. I thought it was a brilliant book and I will definitely be buying some of his back catalogue. Recommended
He hasn't been idle in the intervening years, he has a coven to perform the rite, a psychopath who really loves his work as his right hand man and a gang of thugs to assist his assistant. On the side of the blessed are the pastor, former actress Allie Layton and her high school boyfriend now the owner of the hardware store, Scott Tackett and the young, inexperienced deputy, Milo. Not exactly an even match!
This book was incredibly hard to put down, (and all too easy to pick up again), there is an awful scene where a child is raped and murdered but the author doesn't dwell on the deed, it happens 'off camera' so to speak, although we know what's going to happen (leaving me time to go 'oh no, oh no, oh no!' about a million times- sad, sad person), we don't have to witness it. The nature of the book means that there will be violence but again Russell James is skilled at inference. I thought it was a brilliant book and I will definitely be buying some of his back catalogue. Recommended
August 7, 2022
The Portal by Russell James is a tale about terrifying and brutal events that occur on an island off the coast that becomes totally cut off from the mainland when the devil comes to town, determined to carry out his mission.
Russel James certainly has a creative way of mixing elements of everyday life into a terror filled bloodbath! I had a blast reading this book!
If you enjoy spooky reads with a lot of tension and violence, then this will be a hit for you! Just prepare yourselves before taking the trip to Stone Harbor!
Content Warning: Sexual assault and death of a child (off-page), gun violence.
Check out my full review here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/book-...
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
Russel James certainly has a creative way of mixing elements of everyday life into a terror filled bloodbath! I had a blast reading this book!
If you enjoy spooky reads with a lot of tension and violence, then this will be a hit for you! Just prepare yourselves before taking the trip to Stone Harbor!
Content Warning: Sexual assault and death of a child (off-page), gun violence.
Check out my full review here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/book-...
Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way.
October 18, 2020
* Thank you to Flame Tree Press for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley *
Three hundred years ago, Satan's plan to open a doorway to Hell was thwarted. Now he's back to try again, and this time he's determined to succeed!
Being a resident of Long Island, I was excited to see that not only is The Portal set on Long Island, but the author is from Long Island as well! Taking place on a small, isolated island in the Long Island Sound, Stone Harbor becomes the battleground for a fight between good and evil.
The author does a great job setting up the premise and ratcheting up the tension as the story progresses. Populated with believable, well-written characters, Stone Harbor feels like a real place with a great small-town vibe. The reader can feel the terror as the town is slowly taken over by Joey Oates – the Devil incarnate – and his band of goons. The action is fast-paced, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
The story has a horror movie feel to it, and I could easily picture a Hollywood studio adapting this for the big screen. However, unlike Hollywood, the author successfully avoids several horror movie cliches; the narrative doesn't suffer from bad decision-making on the main characters' part, nor do we get the 'final girl' trope.
Allie and Scott were both compelling characters, and it was interesting to watch them come to terms with events from their past that had repercussions in the present. Given the story's outcome, I'd be interested to see what happens next to these characters and the little island of Stone Harbor.
Reminiscent of Stephen King's Needful Things, Russell James creates a believable story of small-town horror perfect for the Halloween season.
Three hundred years ago, Satan's plan to open a doorway to Hell was thwarted. Now he's back to try again, and this time he's determined to succeed!
Being a resident of Long Island, I was excited to see that not only is The Portal set on Long Island, but the author is from Long Island as well! Taking place on a small, isolated island in the Long Island Sound, Stone Harbor becomes the battleground for a fight between good and evil.
The author does a great job setting up the premise and ratcheting up the tension as the story progresses. Populated with believable, well-written characters, Stone Harbor feels like a real place with a great small-town vibe. The reader can feel the terror as the town is slowly taken over by Joey Oates – the Devil incarnate – and his band of goons. The action is fast-paced, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
The story has a horror movie feel to it, and I could easily picture a Hollywood studio adapting this for the big screen. However, unlike Hollywood, the author successfully avoids several horror movie cliches; the narrative doesn't suffer from bad decision-making on the main characters' part, nor do we get the 'final girl' trope.
Allie and Scott were both compelling characters, and it was interesting to watch them come to terms with events from their past that had repercussions in the present. Given the story's outcome, I'd be interested to see what happens next to these characters and the little island of Stone Harbor.
Reminiscent of Stephen King's Needful Things, Russell James creates a believable story of small-town horror perfect for the Halloween season.
July 14, 2021
I’m going to keep this short or else I’ll write a book myself. What an amazing read!!! I kept having to stop myself and go back to read certain chapters. You always know you have a good book when you skip chapters because you are too impatient.
Love the characters and the rawness of the horrors people will do. Some people might not enjoy that so this is my spoiler free warning. I’m not saying I wasn’t disturbed, a specific character in the beginning of the book I honestly could have went without. But that is the realism of the horrors men will commit.
Also I like that there are still small areas of gray in this story. People are not perfect and the world is not black and white.
I am definitely looking up more of the author’s work!
Love the characters and the rawness of the horrors people will do. Some people might not enjoy that so this is my spoiler free warning. I’m not saying I wasn’t disturbed, a specific character in the beginning of the book I honestly could have went without. But that is the realism of the horrors men will commit.
Also I like that there are still small areas of gray in this story. People are not perfect and the world is not black and white.
I am definitely looking up more of the author’s work!
October 10, 2020
Fast paced and well told, this story about the devil returning to a small town to finish a ritual and open a portal to hell is very entertaining. With scenes ranging from the horrific to the visceral and well formed characters it grabs the reader from the first and carries them through a battle to save the souls of the residents from unspeakable torment, torture, and horrors.
I received the review copy of this book at my request and thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and post an honest review. Recommended.
I received the review copy of this book at my request and thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and post an honest review. Recommended.
December 22, 2021
Maybe my favorite book from Russell James yet!
Great characters, an exciting devil comes to small island town plot, and and ending that was just perfect in every way.
If you missed THE PORTAL, go grab a copy and check it out.
Highly recommended!
Great characters, an exciting devil comes to small island town plot, and and ending that was just perfect in every way.
If you missed THE PORTAL, go grab a copy and check it out.
Highly recommended!
October 28, 2020
“When you finally meet the devil, you know”
The book starts in 1720 in Stone Harbour with Satan trying to use The Portal to open a doorway to hell. He doesn’t succeed but vows to return to complete the task. Fast forward to 2020 a black speedboat arrives at Stone Harbour bringing with it a mysterious figure.
Then we’re introduced to the main characters. Allie Layton and Scott Tackett, former childhood sweethearts. Allie, a former soap actress has lost her career (and everything that went with it) and fallen from grace in a very big way, returns to Stone Harbour to escape her past. Scott had a successful career but returned to Stone Harbour to help with his father’s hardware store when his father became ill and never left.
Cue the Satan’s return to Stone Harbour with his equally frightening minion Kyler, a coven of witches and a group of criminals. His mission to find the Portal and open the gateway to hell. Allie and Scott face a race against time to find out the towns history and stop his mission.
The characters were brilliantly written and you couldn’t help but cheer them on in their mission to defeat Satan. Although Stone Harbour seems a very close knit town where everyone knows each other and their business, it was interesting to learn of the dark secrets and the bargains other members of the town had made with Satan who was now back to collect. Although this was a horror story it’s also quite a dark novel because it explores the darker side of humans and their secrets showing their true nature that is held behind a sometimes very well put together facade. This is a book that shocks but really makes you think.
I cannot remember the last time I read a horror novel but this has definitely got me wanting to read more from this genre.
I received a gifted copy of this book for an honest review.
The book starts in 1720 in Stone Harbour with Satan trying to use The Portal to open a doorway to hell. He doesn’t succeed but vows to return to complete the task. Fast forward to 2020 a black speedboat arrives at Stone Harbour bringing with it a mysterious figure.
Then we’re introduced to the main characters. Allie Layton and Scott Tackett, former childhood sweethearts. Allie, a former soap actress has lost her career (and everything that went with it) and fallen from grace in a very big way, returns to Stone Harbour to escape her past. Scott had a successful career but returned to Stone Harbour to help with his father’s hardware store when his father became ill and never left.
Cue the Satan’s return to Stone Harbour with his equally frightening minion Kyler, a coven of witches and a group of criminals. His mission to find the Portal and open the gateway to hell. Allie and Scott face a race against time to find out the towns history and stop his mission.
The characters were brilliantly written and you couldn’t help but cheer them on in their mission to defeat Satan. Although Stone Harbour seems a very close knit town where everyone knows each other and their business, it was interesting to learn of the dark secrets and the bargains other members of the town had made with Satan who was now back to collect. Although this was a horror story it’s also quite a dark novel because it explores the darker side of humans and their secrets showing their true nature that is held behind a sometimes very well put together facade. This is a book that shocks but really makes you think.
I cannot remember the last time I read a horror novel but this has definitely got me wanting to read more from this genre.
I received a gifted copy of this book for an honest review.
October 20, 2020
* Thank you to Flame Tree Press for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley *
This is a 3.5 for me rounded up to 4. Professionally writing and well organized. The story is brisk and you pretty much get what you would expect from the blurb. That is damning with faint praise as the book delivers nothing more than what I expected. Its OK. I enjoyed it, and a DNF was never really in question. But that's all I've got to recommend it.
On the other hand, some of the plot elements were pretty clunky. One main character has "sold their soul" without ever meeting the Devil. And they accept this notion as true. "I wish I won the lottery." Poof - you won the lottery! Sorry, you just signed a contract with the Devil. OK.... Some elements were a bit too much like a treasure hunt or puzzle mystery.
This is a 3.5 for me rounded up to 4. Professionally writing and well organized. The story is brisk and you pretty much get what you would expect from the blurb. That is damning with faint praise as the book delivers nothing more than what I expected. Its OK. I enjoyed it, and a DNF was never really in question. But that's all I've got to recommend it.
On the other hand, some of the plot elements were pretty clunky. One main character has "sold their soul" without ever meeting the Devil. And they accept this notion as true. "I wish I won the lottery." Poof - you won the lottery! Sorry, you just signed a contract with the Devil. OK.... Some elements were a bit too much like a treasure hunt or puzzle mystery.
October 15, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in return for an honest review.
Satan arrives on the island of Stone Harbor after three hundred years to resume his search for a portal that will allow him to reign over Hell and Earth. It falls to an unlikely trio to battle against imposing odds to foil his plans.
I hate to say it, but the antagonist stole the show in this book. Satan, in his human form of Mr. Oates, radiates pure power and menace at every turn. He’s not cool in the way Negan is in The Walking Dead, throwing out one-liners and outrageous statements. He’s more of a blunt instrument of evil, killing those who stand in his way and corrupting whoever he needs to in order to achieve his aims.
I gave The Portal five stars on Goodreads, even though it ended on a downbeat. The characterizations were excellent, with even the role players being given rational motivations for their behaviors.
Satan arrives on the island of Stone Harbor after three hundred years to resume his search for a portal that will allow him to reign over Hell and Earth. It falls to an unlikely trio to battle against imposing odds to foil his plans.
I hate to say it, but the antagonist stole the show in this book. Satan, in his human form of Mr. Oates, radiates pure power and menace at every turn. He’s not cool in the way Negan is in The Walking Dead, throwing out one-liners and outrageous statements. He’s more of a blunt instrument of evil, killing those who stand in his way and corrupting whoever he needs to in order to achieve his aims.
I gave The Portal five stars on Goodreads, even though it ended on a downbeat. The characterizations were excellent, with even the role players being given rational motivations for their behaviors.
August 12, 2020
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this book. It was listed as horror, which I enjoy very much. What I got out of it wasn't exactly horror, but a very interesting and visceral violent thrill Ride.
The author has a very firm grasp on world-building and character development. I didn't sense any contrivance or "cookie cutting" in the development.
This book put the ideas of sin, Satan and redemption in a kind of new light for me. in some ways it's very much a good guys versus bad guys with the world as the prize. But not in any kind of black and white way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and if you're looking for a darkly religious-themed action-filled type of book, I totally suggest it.
The author has a very firm grasp on world-building and character development. I didn't sense any contrivance or "cookie cutting" in the development.
This book put the ideas of sin, Satan and redemption in a kind of new light for me. in some ways it's very much a good guys versus bad guys with the world as the prize. But not in any kind of black and white way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and if you're looking for a darkly religious-themed action-filled type of book, I totally suggest it.
January 27, 2021
Another good read from Russell James! I hadn't expected to like Milo as much as I did, nor dislike the chief to the extent I did. Russell James did a great job with his characters, as he so well does. The mystery of the portal and the history surrounding it was well thought out. The story takes several good turns and I thought the ending was just what it should have been
October 18, 2020
I wanted to like this book. The premise sounds awesome, right? The devil invades a small island town intent on opening a portal that will literally let hell break loose on earth, and a few brave townspeople must stop him.
But I could not get into this story. At no point did it hold my attention and make me anxious to know what happened next. In fact, at points I felt like it read more like a tactical manual than a story. SO much time is spent on what Oates (AKA the devil) and his goons are doing, details we don't need to know about characters we never feel any connection to.
And the pedophilia, child torture and killing stained the story from the beginning and turned me off from it. Like, hey, I get that it's horror but there's a line and this story crossed it. All it really made me want to do was go make sure my seven year old daughter was still safe in bed.
The book is written in such a way that we spend at least 2/3 of it following the (very detailed and time consuming) actions of the bad guys, seeing things from their point of view, and not nearly enough time following (and therefore caring about) the good guys.
I ended up having to force myself to sit and read this book each day with no real desire to do so. It may appeal strongly to others, but it just didn't do anything good for me.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
But I could not get into this story. At no point did it hold my attention and make me anxious to know what happened next. In fact, at points I felt like it read more like a tactical manual than a story. SO much time is spent on what Oates (AKA the devil) and his goons are doing, details we don't need to know about characters we never feel any connection to.
And the pedophilia, child torture and killing stained the story from the beginning and turned me off from it. Like, hey, I get that it's horror but there's a line and this story crossed it. All it really made me want to do was go make sure my seven year old daughter was still safe in bed.
The book is written in such a way that we spend at least 2/3 of it following the (very detailed and time consuming) actions of the bad guys, seeing things from their point of view, and not nearly enough time following (and therefore caring about) the good guys.
I ended up having to force myself to sit and read this book each day with no real desire to do so. It may appeal strongly to others, but it just didn't do anything good for me.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2020
The Portal
Would you make a deal with the devil to get what you want?
When I saw this book, I was intrigued because it reminded me of my favorite Stephen King book, Needful Things.
Allie Layton, tired of the L.A rat race, returns to Stone Harbor expecting a stress free new start on life. Allie rekindles her friendship with Scott Tackett, who runs his father’s hardware store. Joey Oates, man so dark and creepy that he could possibly be the Devil, also returns to Shore Harbor.
The story of lost love between Allie and Scott was a side story to the horror that was taking place in Stone harbor, which helps make them more lovable to the reader.
The author has developed a story about a small town with well-written characters. One thing I appreciated was that the characters were introduced early on in the book so that the reader can appreciate their development throughout the story.
There were a good amount of action scenes and carnage in the book. It definitely held my attention from beginning to end.
3.5/5
Would you make a deal with the devil to get what you want?
When I saw this book, I was intrigued because it reminded me of my favorite Stephen King book, Needful Things.
Allie Layton, tired of the L.A rat race, returns to Stone Harbor expecting a stress free new start on life. Allie rekindles her friendship with Scott Tackett, who runs his father’s hardware store. Joey Oates, man so dark and creepy that he could possibly be the Devil, also returns to Shore Harbor.
The story of lost love between Allie and Scott was a side story to the horror that was taking place in Stone harbor, which helps make them more lovable to the reader.
The author has developed a story about a small town with well-written characters. One thing I appreciated was that the characters were introduced early on in the book so that the reader can appreciate their development throughout the story.
There were a good amount of action scenes and carnage in the book. It definitely held my attention from beginning to end.
3.5/5
October 31, 2020
A new chapter in the eternal fight between good and evil.
This book has a plot like something taken from an action movie. It's got it all: good guys vs bad guys, explosions, magic, blood and violence, and some romance on the side.
As a book, however, it lacks something to keep a sense of suspense. The pacing is occasionally slowed by unnecessary scenes, whereas in other parts things seem to happen too quickly. Some characters felt somewhat amorphous, or made decisions/conclusions that were too neatly fitting into the plot. I also feel the witches were hard done by. For characters that should have had a staring role, they were effectively sexy window dressing.
Overall it's not a bad book for some escapism.
This book has a plot like something taken from an action movie. It's got it all: good guys vs bad guys, explosions, magic, blood and violence, and some romance on the side.
As a book, however, it lacks something to keep a sense of suspense. The pacing is occasionally slowed by unnecessary scenes, whereas in other parts things seem to happen too quickly. Some characters felt somewhat amorphous, or made decisions/conclusions that were too neatly fitting into the plot. I also feel the witches were hard done by. For characters that should have had a staring role, they were effectively sexy window dressing.
Overall it's not a bad book for some escapism.
October 20, 2020
Even if it's well written the story didn't keep my attention and it fell flat.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
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