Publisher: Diversion Books
Publication date: September 21st 2012
My rating: 4 stars
It’s the summer of 1974 and 21-year old Dawn Emerson has only three things she wants to do: compete one last time in the Ellensburg Rodeo, win back her ex-boyfriend Ryan, and become the best damn music journalist at Central Washington University. But all her plans are left in the dust when she’s contacted by Creem magazine to go on the road with one of her favorite groups, the up-and-coming metal band, Hybrid.
At first the assignment reads like a dream come true. Not only will Dawn land some much-needed credibility as a female music journalist, but she’ll finally get to experience life from the other side of the stage, and maybe crack the drunken, enigmatic code that is guitarist Sage Knightly. Instead, Dawn finds herself on an aging tour bus filled with ego-maniacs, band politics and a whole lot of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. When monsters start showing up in dressing rooms and some of Sage’s groupies become increasingly strange and dangerous, Dawn discovers the band is not only going places – they’re going straight to Hell.
And Dawn has a backstage pass.
Karina Halle managed to suck me into another story with this creepy, and captivating tale.
Dawn is a college student looking to make it in journalism,
more specifically as a journalist covering and reviewing rock music bands. When an offer to tag along with Hybrid, one
of her favorite rock bands, and chronicle their tour, Dawn is thrilled, because
she’s passionate about Hybrid and their brand of rock. She’s a bit star-struck at first, but keeps a
level head determined to be professional.
Hybrid is on the cusp of all-out success, but things are unraveling
behind the scenes quickly, whether it be from the relationships between band
mates or from more sinister threats. It
soon becomes apparent that something evil is a work and sabotaging them at
every turn. Dawn’s dream opportunity is
turning into a dangerous nightmare, one she’s not sure she’ll survive.
Right from the beginning of this seemingly “normal” story
there is air of danger present. Sort of
like a movie playing out with nothing really scary happening but the creepy,
unsettling background music has you on edge over what may come. Strange occurrences and flashes of horror
start to plague Dawn after she agrees to do the story, and let me tell you,
some of them gave me goose bumps!
While the romance wasn’t a huge part of the story, Dawn is
drawn to the mysterious and magnetic, Sage:
“a 6’3” powerhouse of pure talent, the driving force behind the band,
and the one code the press couldn’t crack.”
Seeing the man on stage was like watching a lion prowl along the crest
of his kingdom.
He’s not happy with her tagging along at first, but they
soon become confidants with a simmering attraction boiling under the
surface. Hot, broody rocker? I’m so there!
Without the supernatural aspect of this felt like a
realistic peek behind the scenes of a rock ‘n roll tour. Set in the 70’s gave it an original and
nostalgic feel, reminding us of a time before cell phones, and internet, and
taking us back to bands that made rock ‘n roll what it is today. The Devil’s
Metal does wrap up, but the story continues in The
Devil’s Reprise which comes out in just a couple of weeks. Can’t wait to see how things turn out!
18 comments:
I have a weakness for hot brooding rockers too. :)) I have yet to read a single thing by Karina Halle, but since this is about musicians, it seems to be a great place to start. Everyone loves her books, I just need to join the party.
Great review, Rachel.
This was fun to read, definitely not what I expected. But I have to say that last 30% wasn't that good, I felt like something was missing. I hope author will make up for it in sequel.
I haven't read anything by this author, everyone seems to be a fan lol! Great to see that you weren't a black sheep- it's all I've been lately.
Fantastic review, Rach! <33
You know what happened when I read this. I had no idea that it was sort of paranormal. When everything started to happen I was looking at it with my eyes wide open. It really took me by surprise. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Great review Rachel :) Cannot wait to read a sequel :)
I feel like Halle is one of those universally loved authors, though I've still not read anything by her. I planned to start the Artists Trilogy but the mixed reviews for the last novel made me re-think that decision, so maybe I'll check this one out instead. I love historical settings and who doesn't like a brooding rockstar? ;)
Oooof that guy sounds HOT. I haven't read anything by this author, but I've heard nothing but good things, and I just love the sound of this book. Wonderful review, as usual, Rachel! :)
At first, I thought the plot sounded like that movie with Kate Hudson where the kid gets hired by Rolling Stone to cover a band's tour...and then you threw monsters at me. Definitely NOT the same! And it sounds AWESOME!
That's exactly what came to my mind as well, Mary! The scary factor definitely sets it apart, although, I never saw that movie. :)
I've been hearing so much about this author lately. She seems super talented and she always seems to have unique ideas for her books.
I like how this was not your typical rocker romance book and that there were supernatural elements to it.
Also, no insta-love! I love a good slow-burn romance that develops from friendship, so this sounds perfect for me.
Lovely review, Rachel!
I think the last 30% had me scratching my head a bit, too, Glass. I hope things wrap up nicely in the next book.
I called this book "Almost Famous Meets Supernatural"! I really enjoyed TDM, and am glad you did too, Rachel!
Creepy and captivating sounds like an awesome book.I like it when romance isn't the huge factor in the book. I'm going to have to look into this one. Great review :)
I kind of like the sound of this one Rachel! Though if the paranormal element has anything to do with the devil, then I might pass. Anything having to do with the devil or demons freaks me out. Unless they're hot, tortured alpha demons in a romance novel. Then I'm all for them. Yes and please:) But I digress. I'm curious to see what you'll think of the next one!!
I like the sound of this one - especially the music angle. I actually had a copy of this from Netgalley and let it expire (I have a habit of doing this!) so I'll have to pick up a copy instead. I didn't know it was set in the 70's - sounds pretty cool and different from anything I've read in a while. Thanks for the great review!
I'm REALLY glad the romance isn't a big part of the story. I don't like it when romance takes over the actual plot. I love how there's mystery in the story! Creepy books are totally my cup of tea, and they're great to read since it's almost Halloween. :)
Nice review. Never heard of this book before but the story sounds interesting.
I haven't heard of this so thank you for pointing it out! It looks amazing and interesting. 70s? Rocker? Gimme! Great review!
Ohh, sounds interesting :D Never heard of it before, but I like the sound of it. Glad you mostly loved it :) Thank you for sharing. <3 loved your review.
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