Russell James – The Portal

‘The Portal’ by Russell James is a supernatural, and utterly demonic story. This October I have read so many excellent books that get me in the mood for the dark nights closing in and Halloween to appear over the horizon. The Portal is up at the top with some other fabulous authors for me.

The story begins by taking us back 300 years, with a coven of witches that are being influenced by Satan, attempting to open a portal in Stone Haven Harbour We see the ritual failing then. Returning to the present day Satan is back, under the guise of Joey Oates. His plan has been perfected this time…he will unleash Hell on Earth by opening that portal.
Allie and Scott were high school sweethearts and find themselves reconnecting. Along with the Pastor and a young inexperienced Deputy, Milo they end up on the frontline of a very uneven battle with Joey Oates and his brutal handpicked group of people to save the portal being opened.

Well, this book is almost the ultimate in good versus evil. The characters are exquisitely drawn, and you cannot stop cheering them on in their mission to save Stone Harbour and ultimately the world in itself. Everyone’s secrets are uncovered as Joey comes to collect as well. Stone Harbour is not as quiet and the people are not as nice as their masks slip, showing us the darker side of people and the secrets they keep.

A very dark story that, in places shocked and other places had me turning the pages in anticipation. A brilliant character and plot-driven story that kept me on my toes all the way.

Thank you to Random Things Tours and Flame Tree Press for my copy of the book for my review today.