The Devil's Halo

by Josh Raymer

Silas Ford is a man caught in the middle of an unending war between Heaven and Hell. There's only one Silas doesn't know that such a war exists, let alone his role in the conflict. He's just your typical 25-year-old from Sherwood, New Jersey, with a brother, Peter, who's a wild child and the only family Silas has left.

Everything changes the night of Silas' 25th birthday.

That's the night a powerful demon named Malphas kidnaps Peter and sets in motion a destiny Silas never knew he had. An unlikely ally will guide Silas as he tries to rescue his brother from an enemy that's always one step ahead. Along the way, Silas discovers shocking secrets that shatter his sense of identity and reshape his views on Heaven, Hell, and the world around him.

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 22, 2014

About the author

Since he was 4 years old, Josh Raymer has been writing stories. Back then, it was construction paper and crayon drawings. Today, it’s the first two novels in the Silas Ford series: The Devil’s Halo and Fall of the Angels. Josh hopes the story of Silas’ ongoing battle against the forces of darkness will be celebrated and shared by bookworms and reticent readers alike.

When he’s not writing, Josh enjoys traveling with his wife, Ali, and their children, Paxton and McClane. On Sundays, you can find him watching Colts football games with his family and friends. You can follow him on Twitter @joshraymer and find his fantasy football takes on The IDP Show, the world's #1 IDP fantasy football podcast.

Reviews

[Ali Raymer]

This book is a fast-paced, non-stop, action-packed novel, yet also involves a multitude of likable and in-depth characters. Unlike Dan Brown-esque novelists, Josh Raymer allows you to explore the mind of not only the protagonist, Silas, but also his machete-wielding, demon-killing comrades. Raymer also effortlessly places nuggets of humor, reflection, tenderness, and mere moments for the reader to catch her breath throughout the novel. I tend to be a slower reader, but due to the fact that this book hits the ground running in the end of chapter one, there is no room for Raymer to pontificate on the world around Silas, but instead the reader joins Silas in his journey of discovery. As an English teacher, this novel provides many passages with rich descriptions laden with imagery that attacks all the reader's senses. And although the action is violent, gruesome, and sometimes hard to stomach it is necessary to tell the intense story that unfolds on the pages. This will be a quick read for anyone who enjoys the typical story of good versus evil because it is told in a way that is refreshing and unique. One of my favorite aspects about this book is that the characters are incredibly likable, even the ones you are supposed to hate, you sometimes find yourself enamored by. This book provides a resolution to the story at hand which satisfies your appetite for now, but get ready because the ending will leave you hungry for the thousands of possible stories that lie before Silas and his crew. I cannot wait for Josh Raymer to publish his next book as this series' box-office capable storyline will leave you ready to continue on Silas's adventure.

[Nolan W]

3.5*

It’s a bit too fast for my tastes. I didn’t really enjoy the first fourth or so because it felt like everything was flashing lights and explosions and no time in between, but it does eventually begin to throw some decent lore-building paragraphs in. I think this could have benefitted from being slowed down and cut into two novels.

[Ali Raymer]

Nonstop action. A serious page Turner with familial bonds that are refreshing and authentic.

[Emily]

The Devil's Halo is one of those few gems that comes along where you are intensely intrigued by the story and the adventure, but at the same time, you develop this kinship with the characters. They feel like the people in your own lives. The lines of reality are blurred where you feel like you could call up Silas, the main character, and go get a beer with him and hear about this "One time on the night of my 25th birthday ..." Josh Raymer puts a fun loving and easy going personality into his debut novel that makes you salivate for book number two, three, and four of any direction and genre. While the book makes you grin with the lovable characters, at the same time, it is an intense novel that extends your mind and puts you in the situation. It is action-packed with cliff hangers that you despise and love all at the same time. I strongly recommend this novel to anyone looking to fall in love with characters and a strong story line, or to lose yourself for a couple hours. This is the book for you!

[Liesa Sumner]

The author does a great job introducing the characters and continues to bring them to life throughout the story as you discover their motivation and purpose. It is the classic good vs. evil theme, set in today's world in a fresh and creative way. It's hard to put this book down once you get started. If you like the Harry Potter books you will like this book as well. Highly recommend!