On the edge of town a beast haunts the woods, trapped in the Gray, its bonds 
loosening…
Uprooted from the city, Violet Saunders doesn’t have much hope of fitting in at her new school in Four Paths, a town almost buried in the woodlands of rural New York. The fact that she’s descended from one of the town’s founders doesn’t help much, either—her new neighbours treat her with distant respect, and something very like fear. When she meets Justin, May, Isaac, and Harper, all children of founder families, and sees the otherworldly destruction they can wreak, she starts to wonder if the townsfolk are right to be afraid.
When bodies start to appear in the woods, the locals become downright hostile. Can the teenagers solve the mystery of Four Paths, and their own part in it, before another calamity strikes?
When I saw the cover of this novel, I wanted to read it without even seeing the description. Comp titles like The Raven Cycle and Stranger Things are the equivalent of leaving a trail of chocolate to lure me in.
What a dark, atmospheric story this is, with spine-tingling moments, complex, flawed, fully-realized characters, and layered secrets intermingled with lies. Small towns always hold the most secrets and lies. Occasionally when I read, I’m skimming the pages and getting the gist of the story. With this book, I was completely absorbed from page one, and read every single captivating word.
These characters – oof. Complicated relationships, a diverse cast, and a few different POVs. All of them are compelling, but with a tragic, mysterious past, Isaac is the character that most intrigued me, and it looks like more about his past will be revealed in the next book.
The Devouring Gray is an enticing blend of YA fantasy and horror. It’s not a fast-paced story, but more of a slow burn – and what a tantalizing burn it is, with all those secrets and lies slowly coming to light. The second book in this duology will be on my wishlist for next year.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
You are so right. That cover and title, and the menacing colors, wow. It really makes one curious.
Have a great day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Drew! I couldn’t pass up this one, and it was an engaging read. The contents matched the cover.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool
LikeLiked by 1 person
OOOh, this sounds awesome! I loved the title before even seeing the book cover. And then there is mention of a monster. I’m all in on this one. When does it get released?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just found it on Amazon. April 2nd! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry! Meant to add that to the review. This sounds like your kind of book, Mae – especially with the monster, the history in the town, and the founding families.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep. All those things jumped out at me and definitely appeal. It’s on my list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cover is so atmospheric! Love the title and the description. I was sold before you even told me how good it was. Thanks for sharing, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t decide what grabbed me first, Staci – the title or the cover. And what’s inside is just as good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds quite captivating, Teri. I liked the sound of it when you shared it on your Wednesday to be read post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really was, Robbie – excellent characterization and world-building, small town secrets – what’s not to like?
LikeLike
Super review, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John – really enjoyed this one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLike
Fantastic review Teri! BUt I ma not sur I am ready for horror 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honestly, I’m surprised it’s classified as horror, Sophie. To me, it had more of a dark urban fantasy feel.
LikeLike
Ooooh, You make this sound so good, Teri. I can’t wait to read it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The writing was so imaginative and descriptive, Diana – I just fell right into this story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m seeing so many positive reviews for this one! I’m getting really excited to read it!
(www.evelynreads.com)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh – hope you enjoy it just as much, Evelyn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this review of the book, The Devouring Gray (The Devouring Gray #1) by Christine Lynn Herman, as featured on the Books and Such Blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh your review makes this story sound so enticing. I’m glad to know it’s a slow burn because something I expect a book to be fast paced not knowing ahead of time and get bored. I’ll take my time with this one whenever I pick it up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve come across several slower burns lately – some good, some meh – but this one is definitely worth the wait.
LikeLike
Pingback: ARC Review: The Devouring Gray – Foxes and Fairy Tales: A Book Blog