The Devouring (novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
The Devouring is a young adult horror novel authored by Simon Holt and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers on September 1, 2008. This book serves as the inaugural installment of a series; its sequel, The Devouring #2: Soulstice, came out on September 1, 2009, followed by the third book, Fearscape, released in 2010.
Plot summary
When shadows creep and swallow light,
On Sorry Night, conceal your fright,
Within the darkest winter's grip,
The Vours begin their dreadful trip,
Invisible, they steal your soul,
Your form remains but not you whole...
The narrative centers on Reggie and her close friend Aaron, both enthusiasts of horror who stumble upon an anonymous diary that describes sinister beings known as Vours. These creatures are said to steal souls during Sorry Night, which coincides with the Winter Solstice. Though initially doubtful, they attempt to summon the Vours by confronting their deepest fears but do not succeed. Meanwhile, Reggie's younger brother Henry starts exhibiting alarming and violent changes—he becomes unusually sensitive to cold, develops black marks on his skin, and even tries to harm Aaron—signs that he has fallen under the control of a Vour.
Driven to rescue Henry, Reggie delves into research about the Vours and must face the most profound fears haunting both herself and her brother.
Characters
Vours: Malevolent supernatural beings that possess individuals on December 21 (Sorry Night), infiltrating their memories and personalities. Indicators of possession include an inability to cry, an aversion to cold temperatures, and cravings for warmth and sweets. When not inhabiting hosts, Vours manifest briefly as black oily smoke. They imprison victims’ consciousness in a terrifying "fearscape" nightmare realm and can trigger hallucinations linked to personal fears.
Reggie: A fifteen-year-old horror aficionado who uncovers The Devouring journal while working at a bookstore. She participates in a ritual with Aaron to invoke the Vours but later faces harsh reality when her brother Henry becomes possessed. Reggie's determination stems from her close relationship with Henry and her romantic interest in football player Quinn.
Aaron: Reggie’s best friend with a keen interest in real-life serial killers. His greatest fear is drowning. Protective of Reggie, he identifies Henry’s possession early on and supports efforts to save him. Aaron supplements his income by completing assignments for others.
Henry: Reggie’s younger brother who falls victim to possession by a Vour after exposure to the journal’s accounts. Despite his strong attachment to Reggie, his fears render him vulnerable to takeover.
Macie Canfield: The writer of the journal documenting encounters with Vours. Her brother was possessed by a Vour before dying under mysterious circumstances. Her writings provide essential knowledge for battling Henry’s possession.
Quinn Waters: A well-liked football player who hires Aaron to write his papers and shows interest in Reggie. While outwardly amiable, Quinn’s true character remains uncertain.
Eben: Proprietor of the bookstore where Reggie works; he shares a close connection with her. Though initially seeming unaware of the Vours, he later assists Reggie and Aaron in their mission.
Mr. Halloway: Father of Reggie and Henry who is mostly absent due to work commitments since his wife left. He relies on Reggie to care for the household and is unaware of Henry’s condition.