Title: The Devil’s Jail: The John Abbott Story
Author: John Ivor Mitchell
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 978-1462004102
Pages: 460
Genre: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Pacific Book Review
When it comes to literature and the classic antagonist known as the Devil, many authors and writers agree that the villainous embodiment of evil won’t come to mankind in the form of giant horns, hooves and a forked tail living in a hellish landscape, but will show himself in the most disarming way possible, offering you something irresistible. As Stephen King once said, “The devil’s voice is sweet to hear.”
In author John Ivor Mitchell’s book The Devil’s Jail: The John Abbott Story, a fantasy/horror thriller takes center stage as the past and present collide. Long ago a man named John Abbott saved a village from the poisonous voice of the devil himself,
trapping him in a shoe of all things. However, the devil never stopped. As journalist Phil learns years later, the devil’s minions are always at work, as he becomes targeted by witches and other threats after receiving a mysterious envelope, and soon becomes embroiled in an ancient battle of good vs evil.
This was a clever, unique and creative approach to the classic storyline of the devil and the witches who serve him. From the addition of the legend of John Abbott and how he defeated the devil to begin with to Phil’s relationship with Karen and the way it evolves throughout the story, the author has created characters and a new take on the mythology to keep the reader invested throughout the story.
This book is for anyone who enjoys fantasy driven narratives, classic tales of horror and fantasy that are given a modern-day twist and character driven stories that connect the reader to the larger mythology overall. As a fan of the genre, it was fascinating to see the way the legend translated to the modern-day events, and how traditions surrounding superstition often occurred during the early colonial days of the United States.
A masterful story, author John Ivor Mitchell wows readers with a strong fantasy driven story that paints the Devil as the silver-tongued villain who promises riches and then destroys families. A fantastic fusion of the past meeting the present, the author has created richly developed characters that draw the reader further into the story, and ends the book on such a note that readers will be demanding a sequel. Be sure to grab your copy of The Devil’s Jail today!
