The Devouring (by Simon Holt)
common sense media says
Old-school horror, complete with spiders, clowns.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that on the ever-escalating horror scale, this falls fairly low in terms of violence and mayhem. Much of the disturbing action takes place in a "fears cape" where nightmares seem to come true. While it's certainly gross and creepy -- axe-wielding psycho clowns, children with their tongues cut off -- the dream quality takes the edge off the threat of danger to the protagonists. The children's mother deserted the family and most of the psychological aspects play on this abandonment. One teen (possessed) boy dies.
Violence:
Plenty of horror violence, but most with a dreamlike quality. As a punishment, a father lashes his 10-year-old son to a cross in a field, leaving him overnight in December. Deaths, including a babysitter, a hamster, birds smashed with a baseball bat, a man sealed in a room and left to die, a possessed teen who drowns. Plus mentions of arson (with children as causalities), a serial killer (who drinks the blended blood and brains of a victim), kidnapping, and waking nightmares of giant spiders and blood and organs spewing from someone's mouth. In an evil dream-carnival all sorts of horrors exist: children with no tongues, decapitated heads to be shot at as a game. Some fighting with knives and a bone saw and a scene of a demon baby feeding on its mother's blood and flesh, ripping out through her abdomen.
Sex:
Not applicable.
Language:
"Hell," "p---y-boy," "ass," "damn," "asshole," "bitch," "bastard."
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
To trick their father, Henry says he thinks Reggie and Aaron are high.
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Most useful reviews by all members
sk8rgrrrrlxoxo
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
The Best Modern Thriller Book I've Ever Read!!! :]
I'm deeply into modern thriller and horror books, as well as classics like Edgar Allen Poe and some Stephen King books. This book was so creepy that it made me want to read more and more and more. I love how he uses teenagers as the main characters- it's easy to relate with them, and to me, it makes the story sound more... real!
After reading the book, I seriously thought about leaving my bedroom light on while going to bed- the book had such a vague ending that left me wondering and wanting more. I don't think the book was only appropriate for 17+. That rating actually sounds stupid, considering the book was written for teens, not young adults. Besides, kids love scary stories, as the book semi-implies. I think the book is fine for kids 13 and up to read.
The book was really awesome, and I can't wait to but "The Soulstice"! ^_^
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maddiecat1221
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
good book, might be violent and scary for younger kids...
this was a good book. i hav read the entire series and like them very much. this was advertised as a scary book, and usually i am scared easily but this didnt really scare that much. the only part i would be concerned by would be the amout of violence. it occurs after the children are possesed by vours, soul-stealing monsters. it is a bit disgusting and gruesome, and for younger kids it might be too much to handle but i thought it wwas very good. sokme breif language.
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monkeyin
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
i loved this book. there are a few violent things- but its not like its extremely bad. the reason why i think there is good role modeling in this is because Reggie's friend helps her all the way, and Reggie risks everything for her brother.
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devouring kyle
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
great
" LOVED IT!!!" It is the best book i have ever read.
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bibliophile
adult
adult
TOO MANY SWEARWORDS
This book had way too many swearwords. I couldn't even get through the first ten pages. I do not recommend this book for any age.
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Softballlover
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Loved it...
I just finished reading this book. And I thought it was a great book.
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